[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING BECKLEY IMPACT

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize Beckley Impact, a very 
special team of 16 and under softball players from my native town of 
Beckley, West Virginia.
  This talented group of young ladies recently won the WV United States 
Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Championship and recently returned 
from Florida having competed in the USSSA World Series. Now the 9th 
ranked team in the Nation, originally formed in 1999, the team ended 
its recent tournament with a 3-3 record and 24-8 overall record.
  While I applaud these players for their hard work, commitment and 
dedication to softball, I would also like to commend them for serving 
as a great inspiration to others both on and off of the field. Just 
recently, each of the team members dedicated herself to play in honor 
of the West Virginia coal miners who perished in the Upper Big Branch 
mining disaster in April. Most every family on this team had a 
relative, friend or neighbor who died in this tragedy.
  In what has become a tradition, and a very meaningful moment, 
immediately following each game, the team invites their opponents to 
join them in a group prayer on the field, whether they won or lost.
  It is my honor to salute this wonderful team, these giving 
individuals--Eryn Buchanon, Alexandria Garris, Alyssa Hunt, Kelci 
Jones, Alexa McCormack, MacKenzie Milam, Ashleigh Mills, Katie Muovich, 
Andrea Roles, Alissa Ward, Randi Wright, team manager Randy Hunt, and 
coaches Patti Ward and Willie Wright.
  Their effort is aided and strongly supported by an array of local 
businesses who serve as sponsors. We recognize their commitment and 
dedication to this worthwhile community activity for our youth.
  This partnership of coaches, team managers, small business, proud 
parents and players helps guide our youth to more productive adulthood 
and helps build citizens for our cities, towns, states and Nation who 
care and contribute of themselves in due turn. A valuable lesson for us 
all.

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