[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 14 (Monday, January 23, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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        RECOGNIZING THE 1973 VASTER HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 1973 
Vaster High School basketball team on the 50th anniversary of its 
overall state championship game performance and the way it continues to 
inspire many Arkansans to this day.
  From the small, rural Jefferson County community of Moscow, and with 
a first-year head coach, the Vaster basketball team had a remarkable 
season, earning the Class B title and advancing to the finals in the 
overall tournament. Vaster defeated bigger and better teams to earn the 
right to play in the overall championship contest against the 
powerhouse players of Little Rock Central High School.
  The Vaster squad was certainly the underdog, but they played hard and 
kept the game close through late in the fourth quarter. In the final 
moments, they came up short, but despite the crushing defeat, the 
Vaster players held their heads high and fans rallied around these 
young men who proudly represented their community. They revealed wisdom 
beyond their years in learning from the loss, taking pride in all they 
had achieved and still displaying true sportsmanship.
  Stories like theirs bring communities together and create memories 
and friendships that last a lifetime. Their performance at the end of 
the 1973 season has forged a bond between the players, coaches, and 
spectators that still sparks passion today.
  I applaud the coaches and players for their ability to show such grit 
and resilience on the court and grace in defeat. By overcoming 
challenges they faced along their hard-fought journey, the Vaster team 
demonstrated the power of uniting to achieve a common goal. Even 50 
years later, this game represents something bigger than just basketball 
in the lesson it provides--anyone can face long odds, and even suffer a 
defeat, but still be considered a winner.

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