[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E338-E339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE TO FOREST PARK HIGH SCHOOL TROJANS FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the players, 
coaches, and managers of the 2004 Forest Park High School Trojans 
football team in recognition of their outstanding season. After losing 
17 seniors from last year's team, the Trojans not only made the 
playoffs, but made it all the way to the Division 8 State Finals on 
November 26, 2004, at the Pontiac Silverdome. This group of young men 
from the Crystal Falls area in Michigan's Upper Peninsula truly 
deserves our hearty congratulations.
  While their 12-2 record is impressive in its own right, the way the 
Forest Park Trojans won is even more remarkable. After losing their 
first game of the season, the Trojans made some changes and rose to the 
occasion, winning their next 12 straight games.
  They were a team of young men that brought an unselfish attitude to 
the game that many college and professional players could learn from. 
Each one of them knew they had a role to play, and cared more about 
helping the team win than being the ``star.'' Throughout the season, 
the team's motto was, ``Whatever it takes.''
  After defeating Baraga High School for the District title, Posen High 
School for the Regional title, and a dramatic 12-8 win over a Beal City 
team that seemed unbeatable in the Division 8 semifinal, the Forest 
Park Trojans faced off against Climax-Scotts High School at the Pontiac 
Silverdome for the State championship.
  The Crystal Falls community was behind their team 110 percent. One 
call to a local radio station letting people know that they could make 
donations to help the team, cheerleaders and the band make the trip 
down-state for the championship game yielded over 100 contributions.
  When the big day finally came, the Trojans suffered a heartbreaking 
loss. But they handled it with the same class and character that got 
them to the finals in the first place. They realized that they achieved 
their goal just by playing in that championship game, and that they 
would be back. Many of the players who are returning next year are 
already hitting the weight room and looking forward to a new season, 
and to passing on the tradition of teamwork and hard work that made 
this season so special.
  Mr. Speaker, each member of this team deserves to be recognized, and 
I want to take a moment to share their names with my colleagues.
  Team members: Dan Surface, Clay Roberts, Cory Padilla, Joe Mussatto, 
Kyle Roberts, Andrew Gussert, David Lesandrini, Brandon Stebbins, Ryne 
Neyrick (All-U.P. First Team running back and All-State Honorable 
Mention), Seth Chernach, Joe Chernach (Captain, All-U.P. and All-State 
first team defensive back and return specialist), Bryan LaChappelle, 
Erik Peterson, Scott Santilli (Captain, All-U.P. First Team defensive 
end), Tim Wheeler, Kyle La Vacque, Stefan Randjelovic, Nick McCarthy, 
Ryan Martin (All-

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State First Team offensive guard), Kevin Takala, Calix Sholander, Gary 
Willman, Rob Boussum, Eric Lato, Dustin Skibo, Mark Harrison (All-U.P. 
First Team lineman), Josh Bicigo, Brian Fabbri, Jody Gillespie, Nikos 
Kosmopoulos, Brad Anderson, Pat Peterson (All-U.P. First Team tight 
end), and Josh Novak.
  Head Coach Bill Santilli; Assistant Coaches Dave Graff, Gerard 
Valesano, Bill Todish, Jeff Chernach, and Dan LaPoint; Trainer Mark 
Nylund; and Managers Bryant Wheeler, L.J. Burns, and David Burns.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating the Forest Park High School football team, their 
classmates, parents, and community on their exceptional season and in 
wishing them well when they take the field again in the fall.

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