[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E566-E567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SIMON RIVERA EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL RAIDERS, THE 2015 
       6A BOYS SOCCER UIL STATE CHAMPIONS FROM BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of the Simon Rivera 
Early College High School Raiders--the 2015 6A Boys Soccer UIL State 
Champions from Brownsville, Texas. Their undefeated 28 game season 
proved that the Rio Grande Valley is home to the best soccer team in 
the State of Texas, and one of the best in the nation.
   On Saturday, April 18, 2015, the Rivera Raiders beat Katy Cinco 
Ranch 2 to 0 in Georgetown, Texas. The win cemented their state title 
and brought a third statewide championship to the Brownsville 
Independent School District.
   From the onset of the 2015 soccer season, Coach Salvador Garcia knew 
the Rivera Raiders were a ``Team of Destiny,'' and would rally the 
support of an entire community. Coach Garcia's dedication, tenacity and 
years of experience would transform the Rivera Raiders into an 
undefeated powerhouse. He knew the hours of practice and commitment 
would yield only one outcome--a chance to prove what he already knew--
that the Rivera Raiders would be the best soccer team in Texas.
   Their historic championship season serves as a reminder that through 
teamwork and perseverance, we are all capable of achieving great 
things. The entire team of dedicated student-athletes set an example to 
be emulated. Their accomplishments have earned them a place in the 
history of Rivera High School, and the legacy of their state 
championship will live on through the precedent set by an undefeated 
season.
   To all those who supported the players, your efforts were critical 
to the strength of the Rivera Raiders. You drove them to practices 
early in the morning and picked them up late into the evening. On game 
days, you prepared them the nutritious meals that would give them 
stamina. You helped them balance the demands of athletics, studies, and 
home life, and you instilled the values of humility, sportsmanship and 
perseverance.
   To the faculty and staff at Rivera High School: teachers, assistant 
coaches, counselors, principals, support staff and personnel, thank you 
for all that you do to help our children accomplish their goals. Your 
commitment to educating all students is vital as we prepare the next 
generation of Americans to lead our nation in the future. Keep doing 
the excellent job you do.

[[Page E567]]

   The coaches and players who inspired a community and cemented their 
place in Rivera High School history by winning the 2015 6A Boys Soccer 
UIL State Championship are Head Coach Salvador Garcia; Assistant 
Coaches Jose Dominguez, Andres Macias and Jimmy Montalvo; Athletic 
Coordinator Tom Chavez; and Principal Aimee Garza-Limon.
   The 2015 Rivera Raiders are Isidro Martinez (named Most Valuable 
Player); Eliezer Acero; Israel Acero; David Alexander; Erik A. Alonso; 
Carlos I. Alvarez; Jose R. Alvarez, Jr.; Francisco Cardenas, Jr.; 
Roberto C. Castro; Jorge A. Cordova; Abdon Cruz; Hernan A. Cruz; Ivan 
L. Cruz; Julian Espinoza; Marcos A. Hernandez, Jr.; Alexis Herrera; Lee 
R. Martinez; Roberto J. Melendez; Eliseo F. Ortiz; Edward M. Rojas; 
Eduardo A. Salinas; Sergio Soto-Ramirez; Jesus A. Torres II; Jose A. 
Muniz Velazquez; Jose M. Villanueva, Jr.; Alfredo G. Villarreal; and 
Jesus R. Zaragoza.
   These students from Rivera High School represented the Brownsville 
Independent School District and the City of Brownsville in a manner 
that brings great credit and distinction to our region, and I am proud 
that they set an example for us all to follow. I wish each of them the 
best in their future endeavors, and I join with my colleagues in 
Congress in congratulating them on an undefeated championship season.

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