[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 94 (Monday, June 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE SPARTANS ARE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2008

  Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth 
District of North Carolina, we wish to congratulate the girls' softball 
team of Central Davidson High School for winning the North Carolina 2-A 
championship. The Spartans won the title on Saturday, May 31. The team 
was led by seniors Allison Barnak, Lindsay Thore, Hannah Buie, Alison 
Lohr, and Gina Antonucci, who were an integral part of back-to-back 
championships along with a 54-game winning streak.
  This year's title, which was won at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex 
in Raleigh, culminated an outstanding season for the Spartans, who were 
led by Head Coach Gene Poindexter. Not only did they win a State 
championship, the Spartans finished the year ranked 8th in a national 
poll of high school softball teams.
  The championship contest began and ended quickly. Chelsea Leonard led 
the way, pitching a one-hit shutout to lead the Spartans to a 7-0 win 
against formidable South Lenior. The team was led with 2 hits each from 
Kara Lohr, Whitney Lohr, Hannah Buie, and Nicole Perry.
  While there were many strong efforts, the championship win was a team 
effort including juniors Carrie Jernigan, and Chelsea Leonard, 
sophomores Leanna Hildebrand, Whitney Lohr, Haley Hanes, Nicole Perry, 
Laura Fritts, Emily Mills, Mindi Morris, and Haley Thore, along with 
freshmen Kara Lohr and Emma Comer. And just as important as the players 
on the field were the leaders off the field. We would like to 
recognize, head coach Gene Poindexter and his able assistants Jim 
Welborn, Bryan Starnes, Greg Leonard, Sterling Charles, Steve Hayes, 
Mike Pickett, Jordan Stogner, Brittney Taylor, and Richard Cid.
  Also assisting the team during this incredible season were 
scorekeeper Ernie Antonucci, public announcer Stewart Koonts, as well 
as team managers Chris Keel and Brandon Gilchrist.
  Again, on behalf of the Sixth District, we would like to congratulate 
Principal Emily Lipe, Athletic Director and Head Coach Gene Poindexter 
and everyone affiliated with the Central Davidson Spartans on having 
another great season and for winning the North Carolina 2-A softball 
championship for the second year in a row.

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