[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO HCCC MEN'S SOCCER TEAM

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                         HON. MICHAEL A. ARCURI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Herkimer County Community College, HCCC, Men's Soccer Team in my 
congressional district in Upstate New York. This year, the team won the 
National Junior College Athletic Association, NJCAA, Division III 
National Soccer Championship. Herkimer defeated Triton College 2-1 on 
November 9 at the tournament hosted by Richland College in Dallas, 
Texas. The victory marks the HCCC Generals' seventh NJCAA Division III 
National Championship in soccer and the 31st team National Championship 
for all of the school's athletic programs.
  HCCC finished with a record of 20 wins. 3 losses and 0 ties. Over its 
history, the team has amassed a total record of 472 wins, 75 losses and 
26 ties. Four student athletes were named to the Final Four All-
Tournament Team. They include Demetrius Lawrence of Reading, England; 
Kariym Balthazar of Brooklyn, New York; Sean Trinidad of White Plains, 
New York; and James Taber of Liverpool, New York. Fellow team member 
Joeski Williams of Bronx, New York, was named the tournament's Most 
Valuable Player.
  Five of the team's players received the designation of All-Conference 
this season, and seniors Harry Appiah and Lee Martins were named to the 
NJCAA All-American Team. Martins was also named the 2008 National 
Soccer Coaches Association of America Junior College National Player of 
the Year, and the 2008 NJCAA Region III and Mountain Valley Conference 
Player of the Year.
  The team's coach, Pepe Aragon, was named NJCAA National Coach of the 
Final Four tournament after earning his 200th win this season. In his 
11 seasons coaching the team, Aragon has amassed a record of 203 wins, 
19 losses and 1 tie. For these impressive accomplishments, he was also 
inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent the Herkimer County Community 
College Men's Soccer Team and their coach. Pepe Aragon, who are to be 
commended for their great accomplishments. Please join me in 
congratulating the entire team on their victory.

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