[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 6, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BILLINGS BIG SKY ALL-STARS

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I wish to share some exciting news 
from my home State of Montana. As many already know, the Little League 
World Series reached its thrilling completion last month. Montana's 
team, the Big Sky All-Stars from Billings, played in the U.S. 
Championship Game after a breathtaking, extra-inning victory over 
California in its previous game.
  This Billings team was the first team from Montana to reach the 
Little League World Series. Only eight teams from the thousands of 
Little Leagues across the country make it to the World Series held in 
South Williamsport, PA, each year. One of our boys, Ian Leatherberry, 
originally said that the team was just hoping to play in the regional 
tournament. Instead, they played so long that they had a good excuse 
for missing the first week of school.
  Behind the leadership of manager Gene Carlson and his coaches, these 
Treasure State champs became the talk of the tournament and the Nation. 
With great pitching, outstanding defense, and timely hitting, they 
quickly proved they belonged by defeating South Dakota and Louisiana, 
winning each game by a thrilling two-run margin.
  Despite our State not even having a million people, Montana's All-
Stars didn't blink when taking on the team from Huntington Beach, CA, 
for the right to reach the U.S. championship game. Montana's starting 
pitcher Cole McKenzie battled California's hitters, holding them 
scoreless. Then Ben Askelson hit a dramatic walk-off home run to give 
our boys an amazing 1-0 win in extra innings.
  It is honestly no surprise to me that the Big Sky All-Stars punched 
above their class. Whether competing in Little League baseball or 
showing the rest of the world true sportsmanship, Montana knows how to 
compete.
  Despite their loss in the national championship game, Gene and his 
players earned the respect of all of Montana. These 12 boys--Ben 
Askelson, Jet Campbell, Sean Jones, Connor Kieckbusch, Pearce Kurth, 
Ian Leatherberry, Brock MacDonald, Andy Maehl, Cole McKenzie, Dawson 
Smith, Gabe Sulser and Patrick Zimmer--played with great skill and 
determination, making everyone from the Big Sky State proud of their 
immense accomplishment.

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