[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 56 (Monday, April 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             CONGRATULATING TONKA SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM

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                           HON. ERIK PAULSEN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 9, 2018

  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minnetonka 
High School boys swimming and diving team on its state championship. 
It's the second consecutive championship for the Skippers, who won 
their first state championship in 1978 and have taken home the state 
title nine times since. After winning two individual events and one 
relay, Minnetonka put up an impressive 217.5 points--beating out 
Shakopee who was able to tally just 181 points. It's their first back-
to-back title since 1997.
  I want to recognize Senior Jack Dahlgren for winning first place and 
setting new state records in both the 200 Free and 100 backstroke. I 
also want to commend John Shelstad for winning the 200 IM and Erik 
Gessner for his victory in the 100 butterfly. A special congratulations 
goes out to the 200 meter freestyle relay team of Erik Gessner, Michael 
Shelstad, Isaac Alberts and John Shelstad for taking first place home 
for the Skippers.
  Mr. Speaker, swimming and diving is a sport that takes endurance, 
extensive training and poise. It's also important to recognize that 
these student athletes work hard in the classroom as well. 
Congratulations to Head Coach Dan Berne, the coaching staff, the 
parents, the fans and the entire swim and dive team on being state 
champs.

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