[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 136 (Friday, September 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TULLAHOMA AMERICANS CAPTURE STATE TITLE

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                           HON. LINCOLN DAVIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2007

  Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate the ``Tullahoma Americans,'' a little league baseball team 
of 11- and 12-year-olds from Coffee County, Tennessee, that captured 
the State title this month. Tullahoma American has had remarkable 
success in the past but has not held this title for many years. For all 
their hard work and dedication, these young little-leaguers have 
achieved an incredible feat in reclaiming the championship for 
Tullahoma, and I could not be prouder of them.
  My sincere congratulations go out to the players: Josh Brandon, 
Justin Brandon, Justin Brown, Trey Burks, Alex Butaud, Reed Gabriel, 
Marquel Hickerson, Zach Lampkin, Ryan Lawson, Brad Roepke, Sam Tomes, 
and Caleb Zidan, as well as their coaches, Warner Tomes, Troy Shelton, 
and Mike Thompson, for a championship well-earned. Head Coach Mike 
Thompson also deserves congratulations not only for shepherding the 
boys to a winning season, but for dedicating 9 years of service to the 
Little League institution.
  Little League baseball has a long history in America. As early as the 
late 19th century, young American children played baseball in groups 
affiliated with adult club teams, but it was not until the late 1930s 
that Carl Stotz founded and named the ``Little League'' we are all 
familiar with today. Since then, young baseball players have honed 
their skills as well as their character on baseball diamonds across the 
country. Little League teaches teamwork, sportsmanship, and the value 
of hard work.
  Our Tullahoma State Champions exemplify all of these qualities, and I 
am proud today to stand and congratulate the team, their coaches, and 
families for their extraordinary effort. It is my sincere hope that 
this tradition will continue for young people across the State for 
years to come.

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