[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 169 (Friday, December 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AUSTIN-EAST AND MARYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, every Member is proud when one of their 
hometown football teams has a winning season, but I am especially proud 
to say that two of my District's high school teams have won a Tennessee 
State Championship in their respective divisions. The Austin-East 
Roadrunners from Knoxville and the Maryville Rebels fought their way to 
victory on Saturday, December 1st.
  For the Maryville Rebels, this was a remarkable repeat performance. 
As Running Back Carl Stewart said following the game, ``It's 
tradition.'' In fact, this is the third time in four years that the 
Rebels have carried the title of State Champions. One of the keys to 
success that these players share is the belief that every game, no 
matter the odds, is winnable. They consistently remain focused on the 
next play and give it all they have.
  For the Austin-East Roadrunners, this season was especially 
rewarding. Many of the Roadrunners had played together since they were 
seven-years-old, and Saturday's game offered the chance to end their 
season side-by-side as champions. As Austin-East Senior Mark Andrews 
said following the game, ``Just tell Knoxville we've got a state 
championship * * *'' To Mark and his teammates I say, I believe your 
team's efforts deserve to be shared with Knoxville and with the entire 
House of Representatives. Congratulations.
  Those of us who have played football at any level know that it 
requires a lot of hard work, sweat and even, from time to time, a few 
tears beginning in summer training to achieve a state championship in 
December. These high school students have shown us all what can be 
accomplished with the right focus and dedication to excellence.
  I believe we can all learn a lesson from the fine young men on both 
teams. Head Coaches George Quarles of Maryville and Stanton Stevens of 
Austin-East, along with every player, coach, parent and fan, should be 
proud of these teams' efforts--I know I am.

                          ____________________