[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1277-E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CENTRAL DAVIDSON HIGH SCHOOL--OUR PERFECT SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2007

  Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, pitching a perfect game is certainly an 
amazing feat on its own. Pitching a perfect game in the championship, 
however, is something particularly special. Words cannot describe just 
how rare this feat is. So, please allow me to brag for just a bit about 
the remarkable achievements of Chelsea Leonard and the rest of the 
North Carolina State High School Athletic Association 2-A softball 
champion Central Davidson High School Spartans.
  On June 2, 2007, Ms. Leonard pitched Central Davidson to a resounding 
4-0 victory over South Brunswick High School, while not allowing a 
single hit. She also struck out 18 of 21 batters. And on her way to 
winning MVP of the tournament, she tallied an impressive 53 strikeouts 
while compiling a 3-0 record. What's more, she didn't allow a single 
run or even a hit for 19 innings. Folks, these numbers are simply off 
the charts.
  And while Chelsea--a sophomore no less--performed spectacularly 
throughout the state tournament, the rest of the team was equally 
impressive. In the run-up to the Spartans' second consecutive year in 
the state softball finals, every member of the team contributed to a 
sparkling 32-1 record. So, please allow me to recognize every member of 
this fine team: Ashley Hulin, Tess Swing, Carrie Jernigan, Whitney 
Lohr, Heather Lanier, Nicole Perry, Lindsay Thore, Hannah Buie, Alison 
Lohr, Erin Cole, Gina Antonucci, and

[[Page E1278]]

Haley Hanes all contributed to this special season with their pitching, 
hitting, base running, and fine defense.
  Accolades are also in order for the talented coaching staff, 
including, of course, Head Coach and Athletic Director Gene Poindexter 
who brought his team back to the finals after a difficult loss in that 
game last year. His hard work over the past 8 years has been 
instrumental to the Spartans' success. The assistant coaches--Steve 
Hayes, Brian Starnes, Jim Welborn, Greg Leonard, Richard Cid, Sterling 
Charles, Mike Pickett, and Jordan Stogner--all deserve special 
recognition. This sensational season would not have been possible 
without their help or without the support of Principal Kevin Firquin. 
And I cannot forget to mention the terrific fans who supported the team 
throughout the entire season and who came out in force to cheer on the 
Spartans in the state tournament.
  Madam Speaker, this was a spectacular season for the Central Davidson 
High School softball team. I am sure that everyone in the Sixth 
District of North Carolina will join me in congratulating all of these 
fine athletes and the rest of the Central Davidson High School 
community on their outstanding achievements.

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