[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 172 (Sunday, November 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING BROWNSVILLE PORTER COWBOYS FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Porter 
Cowboys on their incredible season, as they just completed their first-
ever winning record and were one win away from a perfect regular season 
record.
  In the almost 30 years of the school's history, the Cowboys football 
team has endured many tough seasons and constant criticism to their 
program.
  However, last week they won their first-ever playoff game beating 
PSJA 45-8 and advanced to the second round of the Texas high school 
playoffs where they now face Gregory Portland. I wish them the best as 
they continue their amazing playoff run and season.
  The Porter Cowboy story is one that has everyone in the community and 
in the Rio Grande Valley extremely excited and energized. Guided by 
Coach Jim Helms and his exceptional staff, this talented group of 
players exceeded virtually all expectations that many had for them 
coming into the season. Of course, the players and coaches had 
something else in mind when they were preparing in the off-season and 
now they are in the middle of a dream season; a season that the 
faculty, students and families, along with the players, will never 
forget.
  As these Porter players make history on the football field they are 
now only opening the doors to the future in which they will be part of 
a generation that will make positive changes to the lives of many 
living in the community. The same determination and commitment they 
possess on the football field every Friday night will prepare them to 
respond accordingly when faced with life's challenges and obstacles.
  The Porter Nation as they have come to be known were led by their 
star quarterback and he was surrounded by a cast of gifted athletes 
that contributed to the success of the stellar season. The arsenal in 
the passing game, complemented with a tremendous defense and an 
excellent kicking game enabled them to truly dominate their opponents.
  I am so proud of these guys and wish them the best as they continue 
to achieve their goals both on the field and in the classroom.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that the roster with the names of 
each player, coach, and trainer be inserted in the Congressional Record 
of the United States House of Representatives.

              2003 Porter Cowboys Football Varsity Roster

       Chris Walker, Evy Chavez, Emmanuel Gutierrez, Rick 
     Monsivais, Jason Bernard, Chris Vasquez, Billy Garza, Ivan 
     Villarreal, Michael Verduzco, Mike Salazar, Manuel Hernandez, 
     Steve Garcia, Jimmy Gutierrez, Benny Salazar, Moises Salinas, 
     Ivan Iglesias, and Louie Pineda.
       Rogelio Camarillo, Ben Gomez, Jesus Chapa, Carlos Lozano, 
     Angel Ramirez, Jesus Ferrer, Luis Cruz, Jose lzaguirre, 
     Thomas J. Rios, Joe Espinoza, Juan Leal, Javier Ruiz, Josh 
     Burguete, Eli Perez, Ernesto Olivarez, Isaac Almaguer, and 
     Omar Avila.
       David Pallares, Emmanuel Lopez, Eliseo Balderas, Christian 
     Lara, Stephen Cisneros, Eber Flores, David Diaz, Julian 
     Mendez, Oscar De Los Santos, Juan Pena, Julius Williams, 
     Frankie Ramirez, Danny Palacios, Juan Perez, Jose Guerra, 
     Will Jaramillo, and Gilbert Flores.
       Athletic Director: Joe A. Rodriguez.
       Athletic Coordinator: Jim Helms.
       Football Assistants: Art Cantu, Ruben Cortez, Bill Deen, 
     Luis Garza, Benny Gonzalez, James Kizer, Abel Moreno, Danny 
     Pardo, Armando Rangel, Tom Rios, Jeffrey Rodriguez, and Jose 
     Luis Zarate.
       Trainers: John Prosek and Jerry San Pedro.




                          ____________________