[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE TAWAS AREA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the 2009 Tawas Area High 
School Boys Varsity Soccer Team and coach Ken Cook on capturing the 
team's eighth straight district championship title and their first 
regional championship. Throughout the season these young men worked 
together as a team, displaying exemplary athletic skills along with 
determination and focus.
  The team ended their season with an impressive 20-3-1 record, winning 
their first ever regional championship in a 3-0 victory over the 
Newaygo Lions. Despite playing in tough conditions, the Braves were 
able to dominate the offense while maintaining a strong defense, led by 
a shutout performance by goalkeeper Nick Hulea. The team also defeated 
the Roscommon Bucks, 3-2 in the district championship game. This was 
the 8th consecutive district championship for the Braves and the 11th 
district title in 13 seasons.
  In addition to their talent on the field, I commend the entire team 
and coaching staff for their excellent display of teamwork throughout 
the season. Every one of the Braves saw playing time, and each 
individual was able to contribute to the team's championship season. 
This hard work and team spirit is a reflection not only on these young 
men and their coaches, but also the entire Tawas community.
  In addition to the teams winning record, senior Cody Jordan set a 
Tawas record 45 goals in the 2009 season. With 12 seniors on the team 
it is especially fitting that they ended their high school soccer 
career achieving the long sought after goal of a regional championship.
  Local sports play a key role in schools and communities throughout 
Northern Michigan. I congratulate each member of the 2009 Tawas Area 
High School Boys Varsity Soccer team: Seniors Kurds Branham, D.J. 
Decker, Aran Freel, Nicholas Hulea, Cody Jordan, Ryan Kaschner, Braden 
Kauffman, Derek Keim, Dylan Loga, Antoine Mauron, J.D. Putz and Travis 
Simmons; Juniors Talal Abdallah, Joseph Boensch, Andrew DiFilippo, 
Benjamin Enzenberger and Kyle Hewitt; Sophomores Dylan Gotcher and 
Tyler Jordan; and Managers Ali Jungquist and Audrey Thoryk.
  I also applaud the leadership of head coach Ken Cook and assistant 
coaches Matt Friedemann and Dan DiFilippo. Their diligence on and off 
the field, and post-season vision and strategy guided the team through 
a successful season, culminating in an impressive series of post-season 
victories.
  Madam Speaker, the 2009 Tawas Area High School Boys Varsity Soccer 
Team has won an impressive eight straight district titles and capped 
off another successful year with their first regional championship. 
These young men and their coaches set high goals for the season, played 
each game with power and passion, and delivered a memorable season for 
both the players and the Tawas community. Therefore I ask, Madam 
Speaker, that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me 
in cheering on the players and coaches of this championship team. Go 
Braves.

                          ____________________