[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE TO CHARLEVOIX HIGH SCHOOL RAYDERS GIRLS 
                            BASKETBALL 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 manager of the 2004 Charlevoix High School Rayders Girls 
Basketball team in recognition of their outstanding season. After an 
undefeated regular season, the Rayders continued their success in the 
playoffs, making it to the Class C state finals, and winning district 
and regional titles along the way.
  While their 20-0 regular season, and seven post season wins, are 
impressive in their own right, the spirit of teamwork and unselfish 
play that the Rayders brought to the court this year was a shining 
example of what athletics should be about. All year, these young women, 
including the team's best players, were willing to play their role and 
do whatever it took to win.
  One of the best examples of this was the team's performance in the 
state semi-finals and finals. After a year in which every game was a 
double-digit victory, the Charlevoix Rayders traveled to the Breslin 
Center in East Lansing, Michigan for the final two rounds of the 
playoffs where they would face their first stiff competition.
  Charlevoix led Flint Hamady for almost all of the semi-final game on 
December 2, going into the 4th quarter up by ten points. Their opponent 
was not about to lose without a fight though, and with just under four 
minutes to go, Flint took a three-point lead. After two free throws by 
guard Laura Nitchman, All-State center Grace Farrell made a lay up to 
put the Rayders ahead for the win. The final score was 70-67 sending 
Charlevoix on to the state finals.
  Though they lost to Detroit St. Martin dePorres two days later in the 
finals, the Rayders knew they had an incredible season. They 
appreciated the experience of playing in the Breslin Center and 
competing for the state championship. Just like they had all season, 
they showed character, class, and heart.
  The commitment to success displayed by this team is no surprise to 
anyone familiar with the city of Charlevoix, which is a warm, close-
knit community on Lake Michigan. As always, the ``Rayder Nation'' was 
right behind these young women who gave them a season to remember.
  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: Madison McKenzie, Madison Ramsey, Jaime Pettis, Laura 
Nitchman, Liz Jadwin, Stevie Murray, Shannon Dibble, Kari Way, Sara 
Cross, Genevieve Kochanny, Grace Farrell, Betsy Dennis, Caitlyn Cole, 
Sally Haselschwardt, and Bethany Pearson.
  Head Coach Keith Haske; Assistant Coaches Bret Erskine, Jim Gels, and 
Liz Grunch; Trainer Joelle Beaudoin; and Manager Chelsey Haske.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating the Charlevoix Rayders girls basketball team, their 
classmates, parents, and community on their success in the 2004 season 
and in wishing them well when they hit the court again in the fall.

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