[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 HONORING THE CENTRAL HEIGHTS BLUE DEVILS, 2017 CLASS 3-A TEXAS STATE 
                           BASEBALL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2017

  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a great honor to recognize the 
Central Heights Blue Devils baseball team, which completed a stellar 
season culminating with the capture of the 2017 Class 3-A State 
Baseball Championship title.
  This exceptionally talented team from just north of Nacogdoches 
rolled to victory with a 10-0 shutout against an aggressive challenge 
from the Wall High School Hawks of San Angelo, Texas.
  With the support of coaches, teachers, administrators and their 
entire community, these young men bear witness that anything is 
achievable through hard work and determination. These are guiding 
principles that lead to success not only on the field, but will 
undoubtedly resonate through every endeavor these valiant championship 
players undertake in their lifetimes.
  Among the individual team members to be congratulated are: Matthew 
Taylor, Cade McCarty, Clayton Ray, Sam Nortch, Wyatt Allen, Ryan 
McClellan, Cade Watson, Will Haley, Braden Thomas, Dillon Burris, Cole 
Reneau, Tyler Burris, Michael Badders, Devin Yates, Grayson Rodriguez, 
J'Kolvin Wallace, Rowan Arrant, and Jacob Miller.
  Their sportsmanship, humility, determination, hard work, and skill 
are to be commended, admired, and emulated.
  The talented Blue Devils team was led to victory by an outstanding 
coaching and administrative staff, including: Travis Jackson, Head 
Coach; Brett Thornell, Collin Wallace, & Nathan Williams, Assistant 
Coaches; Temple Rodriguez, Statistician; Kevin Herron, Athletic 
Director; David Russell, Principal; and Bryan Lee, Superintendent.
  Accolades must also be given to the players' families and the entire 
community of supporters who reside in Nacogdoches County, who embraced 
the fighting spirit which was evident in every team member throughout 
the season. Without these devoted fans' support and encouragement, the 
Blue Devils' road to the championship would have undoubtedly been much 
more arduous.
  It is with great pride that I join the constituents of the First 
District of Texas in congratulating the players and athletic staff of 
the 2017 Class 3-A Champion Central Heights Baseball Team.
  Their legacy will endure as long as there is a United States of 
America.

                          ____________________