[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       HONORING DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS TEAM

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                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the Division 
1 State Champion Tennis team from my alma mater, Detroit Catholic 
Central High School. Netting their first championship since 1986, this 
title marks the third state champion campaign for the Shamrocks.
  Before the 2010 season began the Catholic Central Tennis team 
suffered the most devastating loss in their history when Varsity 
Assistant and Junior Varsity Head Coach Jim Zapton succumbed to a 
sudden heart attack. Shocked by the loss of their beloved Coach Z, the 
team needed to find a way to overcome their grief. They did so by 
playing in his memory and dedicating their season to him. Twelve top-
notch players came together under the common goal of winning as 
Shamrocks not individuals. The result couldn't have been better and 
Coach Jim Zapton would no doubt be very proud of his young men.
  Initially pegged as the number 3 team in Michigan's Division I 
rankings behind Ann Arbor Pioneer and Ann Arbor Huron, Head Coach Jim 
Stafford's squad took the number one ranking on September 27th after 
having soundly defeated both the Pioneers and the River Rats. The 
Shamrocks posted a record of 8-0 in dual meets and won 7 tournaments 
this season enroute to the Catholic League title.
  CC dominated the Regional Championship, racking up 31 points to 
outpace Novi's 2nd place showing of 18. The Blue and White headed to 
Midland for the State competition with four number 1 seeds and 3 number 
2 seeds. On October 16, 2010, after entering the tournament semifinals 
tied at 23 points with Ann Arbor Pioneer, the Catholic Central 
Shamrocks capped off an incredible season by defeating Pioneers 32-30 
and hoisted the MHSAA trophy.
  Coach Joe Stafford credits Coach Jim Zapton's mantra of being a good 
teammate, playing the right way and putting the team first with 
solidifying the phenomenal chemistry that led to his team's success. 
The hard work and dedication of all of its members epitomizes what it 
means to be a Shamrock. By the teaching of our Basilian Fathers through 
goodness, discipline and knowledge the entire Catholic Central family, 
including this alumnus, shares in this accomplishment.
  Madam Speaker, after earning the Division 1 State Championship, the 
2010 Catholic Central Shamrocks deserve to be recognized for their 
determination, achievement and spirit. In recognition of their effort 
and in memory of Coach Jim Zapton, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Shamrocks for obtaining this spectacular title and 
honoring their devotion to our community and country. Live and Die for 
CC High!

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