[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 88 (Monday, June 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 CONGRATULATING THE JACKSONVILLE PROVIDENCE STALLIONS ON CLASS A STATE 
                         BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

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                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 16, 2003

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to laud the accomplishments 
of a group of young men from my congressional district that attend 
Providence School in Jacksonville, Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, in just the sixth year of this school's existence, their 
baseball team has won the Class A state baseball championship. This is 
no small feat in the state of Florida, for ours is a state known for 
great baseball and baseball greats such as Fred McGriff, Alex 
Rodriquez, and Chipper Jones. This year the state of Florida had 50 men 
on Major League Baseball spring training rosters.
  This group of fourteen young men and five coaches compiled a 26-2 
record on the way to their state championship, and along the way won 
the American Plumbing Classic in Jacksonville, the district, and 
regional championships. For some on this team, these winning ways are 
nothing new as Providence was District champion and Regional runner-up 
in 2001 and made the State Final Four in 2002.
  Mr. Speaker, while the crowning moment of this team's season came at 
the end of a 7-2 win over Orangewood Christian at Tampa's Legend's 
Field, it was more than just 28 games that went into this championship. 
For most of these young men, this championship started at age 5 or 6 
and has continued through many spring and summer league games since. 
This championship came with the help and sacrifices of family, friends 
and multiple coaches, many of whom are volunteers. This victory came at 
the expense of free time, other school functions, and even some blood, 
sweat, and a few tears.
  It takes a lot to be a champion and this team, their family, friends, 
and coaches have all shown they know what it takes.
  I wish continued success to all fourteen of these young men who make 
up the Providence School's baseball team: Kellyn Townsend, Joshua 
Maxwell, Kyle Wilson, Austin Heilig, Travis Martin, Jordan Bowser, Tim 
Aldridge, Connor Hodges, Steven Turner, Hunter Robinson, Ryan Kramer, 
Blake Gerber, Tim Brown, and Robert Hardee. I also wish continued 
success to Head Coach Billy Bell and his four assistants: Mark 
Aldridge, Greg Larrick, Jim Martin, and Mac Mackiewitz.

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