[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN CELEBRATION OF GROUP A BOYS' BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT C. SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to 
call attention to a group of young students from Surry County, 
Virginia, who have distinguished themselves, their school, their 
community, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  The Surry High School Cougars boys' basketball team had a remarkable 
season and I believe the Cougars deserve formal recognition for their 
accomplishments. On March 12, 2005, the Cougars won their first Group A 
Boys' Basketball State Championship at the Virginia Commonwealth 
University Siegel Center in Richmond. Surry completed its 2005 season 
with a truly impressive record of 26-4.
  The Cougars have dedicated this year's championship run to their Head 
Coach, Joe Ellis. Mr. Ellis was diagnosed with colon and stomach cancer 
twenty months ago. Despite his diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy 
treatments, Mr. Ellis has continued to coach the Cougars, missing only 
one game during their championship season. His dedication and 
commitment to the team have given his players a model of how to face 
adversity both on the basketball court and in life.
  Along with the State Championship, the Cougars won this year's Tri-
Rivers District Tournament and the Region A Tournament. Coach Ellis was 
awarded Coach of the Year by the Virginia High School Coaches 
Association. Junior center Edward Barham was also honored as Player of 
the Year.
  I want to extend my enthusiastic congratulations for a job well done 
to Coach Ellis and the Surry High School Cougars--the 2005 Group A 
Virginia High School League Boys' Basketball State Champions.

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