[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 49 (Friday, March 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING WRESTLING CHAMPION HEAVEN FITCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK WALKER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 13, 2020

  Mr. WALKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Heaven Fitch 
on winning the wrestling state championship for North Carolina's 106-
pound weight class. Competing against all boys, Heaven's win makes her 
the first female athlete in North Carolina to win a wrestling state 
championship.
  She and her three brothers first became interested with wrestling at 
an early age after watching the sport on television. When Heaven and 
her brothers joined the local wrestling club, she was the only girl. 
Heaven wrestled wherever she could, often practicing up to five days a 
week. Despite being smaller than almost all her high school opponents, 
Heaven's agility and speed has led her to dominate on the mat finishing 
the season with a 54-4 record. Heaven currently goes to Uwharrie 
Charter Academy in Asheboro, North Carolina, where she has gotten 
support from her classmates, teammates, coaches and parents Ryan and 
Stacey.
  Each March, we come together to celebrate women who have broken 
barriers, defied stereotypes, and contributed to our country's history. 
While we recognize trailblazing women over the course of history, it is 
our great honor to recognize women making history today in our 
backyards.
  Congratulations to Heaven for all her accomplishments and serving as 
an inspiration to girls across the country.

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