[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING THE RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2010

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge 
the outstanding season put forth by the Richmond High School Blue 
Devils Wrestling Team. Throughout the entire year, the members of the 
2010 team demonstrated true solidarity, and great individual fortitude 
worthy of many accolades. And judging by the trophy case, the Blue 
Devils have the hardware to prove it.
  To start, Richmond won the Michigan High School Athletic Association 
(MHSAA) Division III Team State Title! This is the school's fourth 
state title since 2000, after winning the State's top award in 2002 and 
2006. But I would be remiss if I did not also point out the Blue 
Devils' other impressive final finishes where they earned state runner-
up in 1996, 2004 and 2007. In addition, Blue Devils Brian Henke and 
Stephen Ireland dominated their weight classes to win individual state 
titles. They manufactured impressive overall records of 50-0 and 30-0 
respectively.
  Madam Speaker, my home county of Macomb certainly noticed what the 
Blue Devils were able to accomplish as they took home ``Team of the 
Year'' honors. But this was just icing on the cake as individual team 
members picked up numerous awards. Stephen Ireland, Dominic Cattera, 
Justin Russo, Pat Baruth, Preston Treend, Brian Henke, Adrian Morang, 
Roger Crump and Dakota Boldrey all earned First Team All Macomb County 
for Division II, III, and IV. Dustin Pitcel, Garett Edwards, Casey 
Martin and Greg Sebastian were named to the Second Team; while Austin 
Cattera and Josh Rivard earned spots on the Third Team. Brandon Pawlak, 
Grant Hafner, Sean Clancy, Alex Morang, Austin Kratt, Scott Gulette, 
Robert Clancy and Eric Boyd followed up with Honorable Mention 
distinctions.
  Macomb also selected an All-County Dream Team which had five members 
from Richmond--Stephen Ireland, Dominic Cattera, Justin Russo, Preston 
Treend, and Brian Henke who all got the nod.
  I commend Coaches Robert Hablin, George Hamblin and Brandon Day for 
their efforts to prepare this team for battle on the mat every day. 
They were shining examples of strong leadership. They also realized 
this quest to be very demanding, so they put the team through intense 
physical training and offered the guidance and mental focus needed to 
wrestle.
  I believe these key attributes are crucial and inseparable once you 
cross that line to compete. The Blue Devils coaching staff had the 
ability to keep the team energized and hungry each time they faced off 
against their opponents. This is an extremely difficult task, 
considering the various pressures and distractions a high school 
student-athlete encounters.
  Madam Speaker, simply put, it is not easy to remain at the top of 
your chosen field, no matter what your profession is. Once a team wins 
a championship they become a target, and their foes become even more 
determined to defeat them.
  But to this point, I would evoke the words of Green Bay Packers 
legendary football Coach Vince Lombardi who once said, ``Winning is not 
a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a 
while; you don't do the right thing once in awhile; you do them right 
all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.'' 
History clearly shows the Richmond High School Wrestling Program has 
developed a habit of winning and an environment that breeds success.
  Moreover, I wish to recognize the hard work, determination and 
teamwork displayed by all the members of the 2010 Richmond High School 
Wrestling Program. I applaud the coaches, support staff, teachers, 
parents and fans alike, for their assistance and for making this 
another season to remember.
  Despite the injuries and grueling practices, the Blue Devils showed 
once again they had what it takes to accomplish their ultimate goal--a 
state title! Teamwork, dedication and friendship all helped deliver 
this championship. I know the City of Richmond and Macomb County take 
great pride in what these young men were able to accomplish at each 
level of achievement.
  Madam Speaker, I certainly share that pride and express my personal 
congratulations. This team has exceeded all expectations and lived up 
to the strong traditions that define Richmond Wrestling. Way to go Blue 
Devils!

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