[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE RANDOLPH-CLAY RED DEVILS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Cuthbert, Georgia is a small, 
rural community, six hundred and sixty-nine miles from the U.S. 
Capitol. It is home to a rich agrarian tradition, the oldest known 
pecan tree in the state of Georgia and a high school basketball team 
known as the Red Devils, who on March 1, 2006, did something that they 
hadn't done in over three years. They lost a game.
  Yet I rise today, not in recognition of this inconsequential loss, 
but in honor of the remarkable team that won ninety straight games, 
breaking the Georgia High School Association's record for the most 
consecutive wins and inspiring a community to believe in the 
impossible.
  For forty-four years, Coach Joe Williams has led the Randolph-Clay 
Red Devils to 964 wins and six state titles. His focus on aggressive, 
man-to-man defense has forced his players to test their limits and grow 
as competitors, at the same time that he has molded boys into a team of 
men that every young player in Cuthbert dreams of playing for.
  For three years the Red Devils have dominated every court that they 
have taken, winning nearly all of their games by double figures, 
including a 100-30 victory over Central Talbotton. Yet they took every 
game seriously, stating simply, ``We play basketball.''
  As long as high school basketball is played in the state of Georgia, 
teams will attempt to duplicate the Red Devils' history-making streak. 
But they won't succeed; because, while they will emulate their style of 
play, it is impossible to capture the passion and the ability that has 
defined these exceptional young men and the dream that they have made 
legend.
  Therefore, here in this hallowed hall, I rise on behalf of the people 
of Cuthbert, the Second Congressional District and the state of Georgia 
to honor the extraordinary accomplishment of Coach Williams and the 
Randolph-Clay Red Devils. You have inspired us all.




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