[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL TEAM

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the members of 
the Raritan High School Boys Baseball team from Hazlet, New Jersey in 
the 6th district of New Jersey. On Tuesday June 10, 2003, they 
completed a season of hard work and personal sacrifice with the first 
State Baseball Championship in school history. Two weeks prior they won 
their first Central New Jersey Sectional Championship in over a decade 
continuing their improbable underdog journey defeating Spotswood High 
School. The true measure of their achievement came this past Tuesday 
when this Cinderella story finally was granted the glass slipper. Down 
for much of the game, the team rallied to defeat statewide ranked 
Hanover Park to win the school's first ever state championship.
  This occasion cannot be fully appreciated unless I recognize the 
graduating seniors and leaders of this gifted group of student 
athletes. Two of the team's coaches, T.J. O'Donnell and Tim Hildner, 
members of previous Raritan championship teams, returned to their alma 
mater to guide this team to the state championship never realized 
during their tenure as players. Remaining coaches, long time teachers 
at the school, Andrew Milewski and Robert Generelli gave this group the 
extra guidance that made them champions. Though the team's full 
potential was put into motion by the group's undisputed leaders, such 
as first basemen Gregory Casha, shortstop Alex Mautone, pitcher Sean 
Walsh, left fielder Steve Plagianakos, utility fielder Ernie Scelia, 
first basemen Patrick Wood, and center fielder Jared Pflug all of who 
which will be graduating this June, moving on to several of our state's 
great universities and leaving their current teammates with a title to 
defend. The contributions of underclassmen such as second basemen Sal 
Straniero, catcher Sean Hanrahan, designated hitter Ricky Russomano, 
center fielder Steve Bilowus, right fielder Andrew Mandeville, and 
third basemen Michael Nunes were the extra pieces to the puzzle that 
together turned a small high school on the Jersey Shore into a state 
powerhouse in one short season.
  Today I speak to you as a proud representative of the 6th district of 
New Jersey due to the inspiration that these young men have contributed 
to the residents in Township of Hazlet. So on this day, June 11, 2003 I 
wish congratulations to the players, coaches, and parents of the 2003 
Group II State Champions, the Raritan High School Rockets!

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