[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE WINTER PARK HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS BOYS BASKETBALL 
                                  TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2011

  Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2010-2011 Wildcat boys 
Basketball team of Winter Park High School, the reigning state 
champions from Central Florida.
  Long before the first whistle blew in the regular season, the 
Wildcats aspired to the highest standard with their mantra, ``Make 
History.'' As the reigning 6A State Champions, the boys were determined 
to exceed all expectations and become the first team from Central 
Florida to win back-to-back state titles. Recognized by USA Today as 
one of the top four teams in the country, these scholar-athletes 
persevered through a daunting schedule of nationally ranked opponents, 
with courageously fought losses and inspiring victories, to gain their 
fourth birth in five years to the Florida state Final Four. Facing 
their cross town rival in the final game of the state championship for 
the second consecutive year, the Wildcats were victorious; ending the 
season with a 28-5 record.
  I am happy to recognize the contribution of coaches and players to 
the Wildcats' historic season. Assistant coaches Eric Faber, David 
Jacobin, David Stock, and Tom Beard and their longtime head coach David 
Bailey, offered wisdom and careful instruction to develop the team's 
innate talent. The starting lineup, all seniors, all going onto college 
next year, includes Brett Comer, Alex Swanson, and Austin Keel. The 
Captains, James Ferrell, recipient of the Coaches Achievement award, 
and Austin Rivers, future Duke University athlete and ESPN #1 ranked 
player in the nation, also deserve recognition here today. I wish only 
the best for these young men, as they apply their dedication and work 
ethic towards even higher pursuits.
  As the seniors graduate and move on from Winter Park High, they will 
pass the mantle of leadership along to the younger players whose 
consistent effort proved invaluable all season long. Brian Klusman, 
Perry Klusman, Michael Merlano, Billydee Williams, Josh Williams, 
Malcom Laws and Kyle Brown, will provide the direction and experience 
to guide the Wildcats team next year.
  In conclusion, I wish the Wildcats success in the upcoming ESPN Rise 
National High School Invitational. I know that whatever the final 
score, these players have performed with excellence for a truly 
extraordinary season.

                          ____________________