[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 101 (Wednesday, July 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING THE SOCORRO BULLDOGS BASEBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 8, 2009

  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Socorro 
High School baseball team for winning the 2009 Texas 5A State Baseball 
Championship. The Socorro High Bulldogs ended their championship season 
with an impressive record, becoming the second team in El Paso history 
to bring home the coveted state title.
  The team was tested by fierce competitors from across the great State 
of Texas, one of the most competitive states in the entire nation for 
high school baseball. As the post-season progressed, the Bulldogs 
fended off tough challengers and finished with an impressive 35-4 
record.
  On Saturday, June 13th, the Bulldogs had their toughest test this 
year when they faced the Lufkin Panthers in the state championship game 
at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas, and were down 2-0 in the 
game's early innings. The talented young men on the Socorro Bulldog 
team never wavered and forged an impressive come-from-behind victory.
  I am extremely proud of the dedication, determination, sportsmanship, 
and discipline of this talented baseball team and their Coach Chris 
Forbes. The members of this championship team are to be commended for 
their drive and perseverance. The 2009 team members include: Tavi 
Amparan, Chuy Diaz, Cory Falvey, Roger Favela, Chris Guzman, Eric 
Herrera, Bobby Mares, Sergio Mendoza, Marcus Molina, Armando Muniz, 
Jessirey Navarrete, Aaron Olivas, Josh Rodriguez, Rene Rodriguez, Oscar 
Sandate, Ivan Sigala, Angel Soria, George Stoltz, and Luis Yanez.
  Head Coach Chris Forbes and his great team of assistant coaches, Joe 
Alvarez, Adrian Garcia, Federico Contreras, and Herbert Reyes, were the 
masterminds behind the team's success. Coach Forbes, in particular, 
instilled a sense of hard work and discipline that kept the players 
motivated throughout the regular season and post-season. As part of his 
25-year career in coaching, the former Austin High School baseball 
player has taken Socorro to 20 playoff appearances. Coach Forbes also 
boasts the most wins (576) of any varsity baseball coach in El Paso.
  The Bulldogs' championship title energized El Paso sports fans, as 
over a thousand parents and members of the community made the long 
journey to Round Rock to cheer the team to victory. This team will 
forever be remembered for its historic victory that brought the State 
Championship Trophy to El Paso, 60 years after the storied Bowie Bears 
baseball team achieved the same feat in 1949. I am proud to join my 
constituents from the 16th District of Texas in commending the Socorro 
Bulldogs baseball team for a job well done.

                          ____________________