[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 131 (Friday, August 3, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1118-E1119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER PATRIOTS 2018 NCAA 
                DIVISION III NATIONAL BASEBALL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2018

  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to celebrate with my 
fellow east Texans today the success of the University of Texas at 
Tyler Patriots on capturing the 2018 NCAA Division III National 
Baseball Championship, the first championship title in program history.
  Although the Patriots team was unranked and had no idea if it would 
even participate in the NCAA postseason, the undeniable bond between 
these teammates resulted in an unprecedented comeback after receiving 
an at-large bid to participate in the NCAA Baseball Championships in 
Appleton, Wisconsin.
  The Patriots swept the best of three series against Texas Lutheran 
University with scores of 8-1 and 9-6 to claim the national title.
  It is with great pride that all east Texans extend our heartfelt 
congratulations to the national champion Patriots: Josh Bums, Jared 
Pauley, Blake Wilson, Alex Bishop, Benjamin Romines, Henry Sanchez, 
Jordan Antley, Zachary Pavelock, Zane Wilkinson, Brandon Saddler, Evan 
Kissinger, Tanner Roach, Landon Shofner, Bowie Farris, Simon Sedillo, 
Blake Maddox, Kolton Forsythe, Christopher

[[Page E1119]]

Stodolka, Alexander Masotto, Ryan Cheatham, Sam Sitton, Nate Imig, 
Austin Schneider, Turner Givens, Graham Welch, and Dayton Loyd.
  Praise is also extended to reserve Patriots: Cole Clinton, Adam 
Nelson, Adam Biesiadny, Justin Olivarez, Braden McMahan, Colston Lloyd, 
Tyler Hollingsworth, Christian Reeves, Ethan Cherry, Max Page, Raby 
Hampton, Caden Ledbetter, Tyler Johnson, Jeremy Moore, Sam Plotkowski, 
Patrick Rogers, Joey Gennusa, Brady UsherWood, Cameron Jacobs, and 
Blake Ross.
  Credit is owed not only to the talented athletes, but to the 
dedicated faculty and staff of the University of Texas at Tyler, 
including: Brent Porche, Head Coach; Erik Grafton, Assistant Coach/
Recruiting Coordinator; Wade Pope, Assistant Coach; Cade Bowen, 
Pitching Coach; Kody Gautreaux, Assistant Coach; Sam Lane, Assistant 
Coach; Dalton Smith, Assistant Coach; Connor Green, Strength & 
Conditioning Coach; Andrew Cage, Athletic Trainer; and Dr. Howard 
Patterson, Director of Athletics.
  Enough cannot be said regarding the support the Patriots received 
from the entire Tyler community. The love and support from people all 
around the area surely served as an inspiring force behind this 
incredible run.
  It is also amazingly fitting that the last season Robert and Mary 
Irwin, the benefactors for whom the team's home field is named, got to 
experience together before Robert's passing was the team's first 
national championship.
  With the support of coaches, teachers, administrators and their 
entire east Texas 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 throughout their lives.

                          ____________________