[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1290]]
CONGRATULATING THE ST. JOSEPH-OGDEN GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 
                       CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2006

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans, the 2006 Class A State Softball Champions. 
The Spartans concluded their season on June 3, 2006 with a 1-0 victory 
in the girls' softball State Championship in East Peoria.
  It had been an arduous season for the Spartans, defeating number two-
ranked Beecher and number one ranked Taylor Ridge en route to a 31-6 
season. The victory was the 665th in just 839 games for their head 
coach, Randy Wolken; a perfect finish for a team that had overcome so 
many challenges throughout the season.
  Though they had reached the final four last year, the Spartans 
entered these playoffs huge underdogs. But strong defense and 
leadership helped the team to far exceed expectations, even for many of 
its players, culminating in its surprise State Championship.
  The citizens of this district and I are very proud of the St. Joseph-
Ogden Spartan softball team, and we look forward to continued success 
in the future. Let us honor the Spartans' tremendous accomplishments 
this season.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans, the 2006 Class A Softball State Champions.

                          ____________________