[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE RAIDERS' BASEBALL 
                       TEAM AS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Northwest Florida State College Raiders' baseball team on their victory 
in the 2015 JUCO World Series, bringing home the school's first NJCAA 
Baseball National Championship. This hard-earned title is a testament 
to their dedication to excellence, commitment to teamwork, and 
unwavering work ethic, and all of Northwest Florida celebrates their 
tremendous success.
  While the Raiders capped their season with a dominant 15-1 victory 
over McLennan Community College in the championship game, the Raiders' 
players, coaches, and staff proved throughout the season that they had 
the mettle of true champions as they persevered through difficult 
stretches early in the season. Despite tough early season losses that 
saw the team drop to 4-5 in conference play, Raiders' Head Coach Doug 
Martin and his players were undeterred, and they continued to work hard 
each day in pursuit of a championship.
  Even after an impressive late season run--which saw the Raiders win 
14 of their last 16 games, including a seven-game winning streak that 
included a sweep of the Gulf District/FCSAA State Tournament that 
qualified them for the World Series--the Raiders came into the JUCO 
World Series ranked 14th in the Nation. But, despite being an underdog, 
the Raiders pulled off impressive victories--defeating three top ten 
teams, including the number one ranked team in the country by a margin 
of 10-0--en route to a rematch in the National Championship game with 
the only team that defeated them during the World Series: McLennan 
Community College. In the rematch, the Raiders put in a true team 
performance and in the end they earned a well-deserved 15-1 victory to 
bring the national title back to Northwest Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to recognize the Raiders players--Aaron Palmer, Onix Martinez, Danny 
Blanco, Corderias Dorsey, Tra'Mayne Holmes, Will Luft, Mack Hathcock, 
Hunter Beard, Avery Geyer, Evan Hebert, Ryan Leone, Dakota Dean, Andrew 
Deramo, James Granat, Tanner Halstead, Ross Goforth, Shawn Feltner, Rex 
Rutledge, Carlos Alayon, Brian Browning, Lukas Holub, Trey Lang, Jarren 
Pinkney, and Hunter Bening--Head Coach Doug Martin, Assistant Coaches 
Andrew Franco and Brett Stewart, Athletic Director Ramsey Ross, and the 
entire Raiders staff and fans on their national championship. My wife 
Vicki and I congratulate the entire Raiders baseball program and wish 
them all the best for continued success in the future.

                          ____________________