[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 88 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CENTRAL DAVIDSON--THREE TIMES A CHAMPION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 12, 2009

  Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, a softball team at a high school in our 
congressional district proved this year that even when you lose your 
key player for a large part of the season, when the whole team pulls 
together, greatness can still be achieved. Despite losing 2008 News & 
Record All-Area Player of the Year Chelsea Leonard to a knee injury on 
November 25, 2008, the Central Davidson High School softball team came 
together and finished its 21-7 season with a championship title. 
``We've been through some tough times this year,'' Coach Gene 
Poindexter told The Dispatch. ``Got knocked down a couple times. Got 
black eyes a couple of times. We just kept fighting, and we worked hard 
to get back in the playoffs; I can't say enough about all these 
freshmen, sophomores and juniors. They're a great bunch of kids who 
worked their tails off.'' On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth 
District of North Carolina, we wish to congratulate the Spartans for 
winning their third consecutive 2A state softball championship.
  The Spartans defeated Richlands by a score of 1-0 on Saturday, June 
6, 2009. Freshman extraordinaire Carley Tysinger ripped a 1-0 pitch 
into left for a single to drive in the biggest run of the season and 
the only run of the title game. And that one-run lead was all that was 
needed with senior Chelsea Leonard on the mound. Leonard returned in 
time for the postseason and was named tournament MVP. Leonard threw a 
one-hitter with 19 strikeouts against Richlands in the title game.
  The championship season was a team effort led by seniors Kelsey 
Rountree and Chelsea Leonard, juniors Haley Hanes, Laura Fritts, Haley 
Thore, Nicole Perry, and Mindi Morris, sophomores Kara Lohr, Whitney 
Lohr, Jazmine Charles, Emma Comer, and Megan Yountz, and freshmen 
Charity McGath, Carley Tysinger, Allie Stovall, and Lauren Bryant.
  Also assisting the team during this season were assistant coaches Jim 
Welborn, Bryan Starnes, Greg Leonard, Sterling Charles, Mike Pickett, 
Jordan Stogner, Jodi Duncan, the voice of the Spartans, announcer 
Stuart Joontz, scorekeeper Mitzi Tysinger and last but not least, 
manager Xavier ``Sabby'' Rosales.
  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 Spartans. Congratulations to Central 
Davidson on a spectacular season and for winning its third consecutive 
2A state softball championship.

                          ____________________