[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ATASCOCITA HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL--STATE BOUND 2018

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this past Friday, the girls from 
Atascocita High School Softball team earned a trip to State by beating 
top ranked Katy. They claimed the Region III 6A Championship and are 
headed to State for the second time in three years. Congratulations. It 
is an honor to recognize a talented group of ladies on the field and 
off the field. The girls are set to play this Friday, in Austin, at 
McCombs Field against Plano.
   Atascocita High School softball team has six seniors on their team. 
Last November, three of them signed college scholarships to play at the 
next level: Lauren Bazan, Harding University; Kyla Snow, Texas Southern 
University; and, Lillie Grotenhuis, San Jacinto College. The name 
Grotenhuis is well known in my community. In 2014, Atascocita High 
School Head Softball coach, Jimbo Grotenhuis, unexpectedly passed away 
from a heart attack. One of his daughters, Lillie, is a talented senior 
on the team. She never got to play for her father at the high school 
level, but she has his passion and drive for the game.
   Jimbo was a legend in the softball community, so much, that Humble 
ISD renamed the Atascocita High School softball field in his memory. 
Written in large black letters, on a red brick wall, behind home plate, 
it says ``Welcome to James ``Jimbo'' Grotenhuis Field''. The lessons 
Jimbo taught in the short time he coached at Atascocita High School 
were invaluable. It is said that the measure of a man is the influence 
that he has on the lives of others. I have no doubt, that the 
Atascocita High School Softball team will carry his spirit of hard work 
and dedication with them to State.
   For the last four years, AHS Head Coach Ashley Boyd has stepped up 
to the plate and filled Jimbo's cleats. Her team's record is 
impressive. In an interview earlier this year, Coach Boyd said, ``These 
players are proud of where they come from. They're proud of this 
community, and they're happy to get to represent them. They've worked 
their tails off.'' Coach Boyd's passion along with Assistant Alyssa 
Romero's dedication will guide the Lady Eagles not only at State but 
far beyond game time. The leadership of a coach not only improves an 
athlete's performance but works to instill values of hard work and 
discipline.
   So this weekend, grab the family, put on your red, white and blue, 
and head to Austin to cheer on our Lady Eagles.
   Let's play ball.
   And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________