[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E690-E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE MARSHALL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TCAL 1A STATE FOOTBALL 
                               CHAMPIONS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride to come before you 
in acknowledgement of the exceptional performance of the Marshall 
Christian Academy Guardians varsity boys basketball team, who recently 
claimed the 2015 Texas Christian Athletic League 1A state title. This 
achievement makes this the third consecutive season that the Guardians 
have dominated the state championship.
  Marshall Christian Academy began its playoff performance with an 
impressive display of

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athletic prowess. The Guardians' first game of the 2015 playoffs 
resulted in a win over Humble Christian School with an astounding score 
of 80-51. This victory gave the Guardians new energy and inspiration 
which would carry them victoriously through the two remaining playoff 
games.
  The second playoff game proved to be a difficult obstacle for the 
Guardians, who were challenged by their 2014 rivals and toughest 
opponents from Stephenville Faith High School. The score remained close 
until the final moments of the game. In the last minute of the game, 
the Guardians proved their commitment and skill by scoring and winning 
the game with a final score of 52-46. This hard-won victory earned the 
Guardians a spot in the final playoff game.
  The Guardians began the final playoff game confident in both the 
team's ability and as individual team members. The championship game 
pitted the Guardians against the San Antonio Sunnybrook Lions. Working 
together, the Guardians were able to effectively outscore the Lions, 
and ultimately, Marshall Christian completed the quest for a third 
straight state championship title with a score of 61-53.
  The skilled and committed players who worked so diligently to earn 
this esteemed honor were David Florence, Dylan Alford, Stephen 
Florence, Andrew Stokell, Ryan Stokell, Jordan Sammons, Dawson 
Rapsilver, Jairus Allen, Joshua Florence, William Hency, Matthew 
Stokell, and Caleb Beesinger. In addition to playing on the state 
champion team, four players were selected for the All-Tournament Team, 
and the Guardians were able to count the Tournament MVP within its 
ranks. Also, the team was honored to have three of its players selected 
for the All-Star Team.
  The coaches and staff who led this accomplished team to victory were 
Head Coach Jeff Arrington, Assistant Coach James Allen, Assistant Coach 
Robert Stokell, High School Principal Duane Shultz, Junior High School 
Principal Raymond Bade, along with Athletic Director and Elementary 
Principal Guy Barr III.
  The Guardians' success has been attributed to their exceptional 
ability to work as a cohesive unit, and through an incredible display 
of this teamwork combined with the team's experience and passion, the 
Guardians prevailed over their skilled opponents and ultimately 
finished the season with an outstanding record of 22-6.
  Please join me and all of the First District of Texas in 
congratulating the achievements of the Marshall Christian Academy 
Guardians. This exceptional illustration of teamwork and sportsmanship 
should be praised and emulated. It is a distinct honor to share the 
story and example of these outstanding young men, a story which is now 
recorded in the Congressional Record which will endure as long as there 
is a United States of America.

                          ____________________