[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REGARDING THE CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOFTBALL TEAM

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                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to two young women who showed extraordinary character during a 
recent college softball game in Ellensburg, Washington.
  Last month, the women's softball team at Central Washington 
University played Western Oregon University for a spot in the NCAA 
Division lI playoffs.
  During the second inning of this scoreless game, Western Oregon 
senior Sara Tucholsky hit the first home run of her college career, 
only to fall to the ground with a knee injury after rounding first 
base. Unable to finish running around the bases, the only option 
available to Ms. Tucholsky was to bring in a new runner at first base, 
which would replace her home run with a single.
  At this point, a truly amazing thing happened. Believing that Ms. 
Tucholsky should not be cheated of her first home run, Central 
Washington University senior first baseman and White Salmon native 
Mallory Holtman asked the umpire if the rules would allow members of 
the opposing team to assist her around the bases. When the umpire 
agreed, she and shortstop Liz Wallace carried the injured opponent to 
each bag to complete the home run.
  By placing the interests of an athlete from the opposing team above 
their own, Ms. Holtman and Ms. Wallace, along with the rest of the 
Central Washington University softball team demonstrated outstanding 
sportsmanship. Although Central Washington University lost the game, 
they revealed a level of maturity well beyond their years by helping 
Ms. Tucholsky to achieve a major softball accomplishment.
  I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize Mallory Holtman 
and Liz Wallace and the rest of the Central Washington University 
softball team for their selfless actions and generosity, which have 
moved people across the Nation. These young women exemplified strong 
character and true sportsmanship with their selfless act. Their 
university, teammates, Coach Gary Frederick. and the people of 
Washington are proud of these individuals. I wish them the very best in 
their future endeavors.




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