[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  EAST ROWAN BASEBALL TEAM WINS IT ALL

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                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the Sixth 
District of North Carolina, we wish to extend our congratulations to 
the East Rowan baseball team for winning the North Carolina High School 
Athletic Association's 3-A state championship. The title capped off a 
record-setting 31-2 season. It was a matter of redemption for many of 
the players after making deep runs into the playoffs and being knocked 
out the last two seasons.
  The team's resilience mirrors the work ethic of its Head Coach Brian 
Hightower. East Rowan won the State Championship series by sweeping 
Wilson Hunt High school two games to none. Coach Hightower focuses on 
pitching and defense but we are sure he wasn't complaining too much 
with the 15-10 final of the championship series. Star pitcher William 
Johnson got the win for the Mustangs and concluded a brilliant 
postseason record with zero earned runs in 20 innings pitched. 
Centerfielder Will Sapp was named MVP of the series and had two doubles 
in the final game.
  It took the combined effort of the team, coaches and support from the 
East Rowan faithful to make this championship dream a reality. The 
championship team members included: Will Johnson, Parker Gobbel, Thomas 
Allen, Bradley Robbins, Alex Bost, Curtis Ward, Andy Austin, Justin 
Morris, Preston Troutman, Noah Holmes, Avery Rogers, Chase Hathcock, 
Jamey Blalock, Wesley Leroy, Will Sapp, Chris Jacobs, Luke Thomas, 
Nathan FullBright and Alex Morgan. The coaching staff was led by Head 
Coach Hightower, with pitching coach Brian Hatley, assistant coaches 
John McNeil, Matt Miller and statistician Andrew Poston. The East Rowan 
Athletic Directors Chad Mitchell and Gina Talbert also helped support 
the championship run. The guidance from school Principals Kelly 
Sparger, Rick Vanhoy, Debra Murphy and Grayson Hampton also assisted 
the team.
  Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we would 
like to congratulate the East Rowan baseball team, the faculty, staff, 
students, and fans for an outstanding championship season.

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