[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 24, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E531-E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     NEOSHO HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING--MISSOURI CLASS 3 STATE CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2013

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Neosho High 
School wrestling team for winning the Missouri Class 3 State 
Championship.
  Their win is the third state wrestling title in four years, which is 
a remarkable feat. They showed grit and determination throughout the 
season, and they came from behind to win the title once again. Members 
of the team include: Kyler Rea, John Williams, River Buttram, Dakota 
McGarrah, Nate Rodriguez, Jason Box, Kyle Hostetter, Sam Williams, 
Chance Branstetter, Jacob Brock, Ben Elledge, Christian Lopez, Aaron 
Clardy; and managers Emily Massey, Raegan Kibler, Madyson Reiboldt, and 
Macy Smith.
  I want to recognize Christian Lopez for winning the individual title 
in his weight class. With the team championship on the line, it was his 
win that gave his team the points they needed for victory. It was a 
commanding performance under pressure.
  I also want to congratulate senior Nate Rodriguez for winning the 
individual title in his weight class. The four-time Academic All-State 
student finished his high school career with three state championships 
and a final record of 210-13, which places Nate as Missouri's all-time 
career record holder, which is an extraordinary accomplishment.
  The coaching staff, which includes Head Coach Jeremy Phillips, 
Assistant Coaches Cody Crocker, Josh Sonis, Brett Watkins, and Tyler 
Gordon, Volunteer Assistant Brandon Russow, and Trainer James Bolin, 
has developed a powerhouse wrestling program, and they should be 
commended on an amazing accomplishment and a job well done.
  The team, with the help of its coaches and the support of their 
families and community, persevered through the turmoil of the season 
and the trials of the state championships. Together, they grew as 
individuals and as a team, and their successes show what can be 
achieved through hard work, dedication, and belief.

[[Page E532]]



                          ____________________