[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 62 (Thursday, April 21, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING PORTER EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2016

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Porter Early College 
High School on their victory in the Texas 5A Boys Soccer State 
Championship game which was played last Saturday in Georgetown. The win 
marks the second time the Porter Cowboys have won the state-wide soccer 
championship, earning the first title in 2006.
   After a long season marked by hard work and dedication by students, 
parents, coaches, teachers, support staff and administrators, the team 
clinched the state championship defeating Frisco Wakeland 10-9 in 
penalty kicks to secure the 3-2 victory. It is my great pleasure to 
honor the team members:
   Alexis Anzures
   Alexis Armendariz
   Daniel Briseno
   Robert Briseno
   Caleb Castillo
   Anthony Cuellar
   Marco Don Juan
   Omar Estrada
   Harambe Garcia
   Oscar Garcia
   Jaime Gomez
   Luis Lara
   Esteban Mata
   Jose Nava
   Jose Pardillo
   Jerry Perez
   Agustin Pizano
   Josue Reyna
   Luis Reyna
   Mario Rios
   Diego Rivera
   Uriel Sepulveda
   Angel Silva
   Enrique Soto--Captain
   Fernando Trigo
   Ricky Vidal
   Managers: Franco Gonzalez and Haziel Trevino
   Coaches: Jose Espitia, Eddie Buentello, Adrian Navarro and Antonio 
Serrano
   Video: Maria Esteves
   Porter Early College High School, located in the heart of Southmost 
neighborhood, is an important community institution. Countless 
teachers, police officers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors and 
engineers are Porter alumni, and the school bears the name of a woman 
who made important contributions to the City of Brownsville. Gladys 
Porter, daughter of philanthropist Earl C. Sams, who was the first 
president of the J.C. Penney retail chain, was devoted to South Texas. 
Ms. Porter was a well-known civic leader in Brownsville and was the 
driving force behind the Gladys Porter Zoo, which today attracts 
thousands of visitors annually to the Rio Grande Valley.
   I would like to express my deep gratitude to the families of these 
young men. Parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members 
make great sacrifices to support student athletes during the 
competitive season and all year long. Porter parents have spent years 
driving to practices, washing uniforms, cleaning cleats, cheering from 
the sidelines, and generally making sure these student athletes have 
everything they need to succeed both on and off the field.
   The coaches, teachers, and administrators deserve recognition for 
all they do to provide students with a high quality education that 
balances academic and athletic achievement. Teachers and coaches serve 
as role models, providing critical motivation and support for these 
young athletes.
   Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in congratulating the Porter 
Cowboys boy's soccer team for their victory in the Texas 5A State 
Championship. Each of them, their parents, teachers, coaches and 
support staff make the Rio Grande Valley proud, and I wish them success 
in all their future endeavors.

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