[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE BIRMINGHAM GROVES HIGH SCHOOL FALCONS' BOYS SWIM 
            TEAM FOR WINNING THEIR SIXTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2010

  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Birmingham 
Wiley E. Groves High School Falcons' boys swimming and diving team, its 
coaches Matt Watson, Dave Eichenhorn, Seena Karapetian and Virginia 
Naegly, Birmingham Schools Superintendent David Larson, Groves 
Principal Fred Procter and Athletic Director Tom Flynn on the team's 
2010 MHSAA Division 2 State championship. As a Member of Congress it is 
both my honor and privilege to recognize the team and its outstanding 
coaches on this hard fought and impressive victory.
  Established in 1959, in the Village of Beverly Hills, Birmingham 
Groves High School has developed a rich history of academic and 
athletic excellence. This victory at the 2010 Division 2 MHSAA State 
swim meet caps off an incredible year for the Falcons, who had a nearly 
perfect season in their run up to the State championship. This 
championship victory also marks the team's fourth State championship in 
the last ten years and sixth State championship in school history. For 
this year's seniors, the championship victory represents the 
culmination of their high school athletic careers. Four years in the 
making, it is a vindication of the team's hard fought and close second 
place finish at last year's State championship and a testament to the 
spirit of the team.
  This year's Division 2 State championship meet began as it would end, 
with victories for the Falcons. The team set the tone for the event by 
finishing first in the opening 200 meter medley relay, followed by 
first place finishes in the 100 meter backstroke and the 400 meter 
freestyle relay. In addition to its terrific wins, the Falcons finished 
in the top four spots in half of the twelve events at the championship 
meet.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
the Birmingham Groves High School's boys swim team and its coaches on 
this great achievement. This victory was truly a team effort, made 
possible by countless hours of practice by the team, the guidance of 
the team's coaches, the support of the team's dedicated parents and the 
commitment of the school's administration. The Falcons' determination 
to succeed and their commitment to excellence are most exemplary 
virtues. I wish the team and its coaches many more successes and 
championships in the coming years ahead.

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