[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H119-H120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING BROADWAY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding group of 
young athletes in Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Broadway 
High School boys cross country team, which won the VHSL Class 3 State 
championship in November.
  Despite online predictions that showed the Gobblers losing by over 50 
points, each runner clocked in at their fastest time that day to clinch 
first place with a 10-point margin over the runners-up.
  Along the way, the team also became district and regional champs for 
the first time in the school's history. The following team members made 
this victory possible: Peyton Allen, Gavin Diehl, Grayson Jacquez, 
Jaiden Nguyen, Asher Ryan, Gavin Ryman, Cameron Shifflett, Lee Souder, 
and Tristan Yoder.
  Head Coach Darrell Zook and Assistant Coach Michael Sheets provided 
their leadership and encouragement. Their success does not just reflect 
their individual talent but also their commitment to the team.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate each runner and their coaches, 
families, and supporters. Their hard work and dedication have inspired 
us all.


                       Congratulating Kathryn Ha

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional 
student athlete from Salem High School and the Roanoke Valley 
Governor's School, Kathryn Ha.
  Kathryn is a two-time Virginia High School League 4A coed State golf 
champion, winning in 2022 and 2024, finishing the latter with an 
impressive score of 68, 2 under par, even in challenging conditions.
  She also captured the 2024 VHSL girls open State championship and has 
been named the Virginia State Golf Association's Junior Girls Player of 
the Year for both `23 and `24.
  Under the guidance of Head Coach Blaine Hancock, Kathryn has competed 
at the highest levels, including representing the United States at the 
Junior Solheim Cup in Spain.
  Introduced to golf by her father, Tim Ha, she credits him with 
shaping her mental game, proving that family support is invaluable.
  Academically, Kathryn shines as well, maintaining a stellar 4.377 
GPA. She plans to continue pursuing her academic and athletic journey 
at Vanderbilt University.
  Kathryn's remarkable achievements exemplify perseverance, skill, and 
sportsmanship. She serves as a role model not just in her community but 
for young athletes across our Nation. I congratulate Kathryn.


    Congratulating Clarke County High School Boys Cross Country Team

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clarke 
County High School boys cross country team for their remarkable 
achievement in winning the Class 2 State championship. The Eagles 
placed four runners in the top 15 and scored 49 points to capture the 
program's first State title since 2009.
  Seniors James Casey, Jackson Ellis, and Aidan Kreeb each earned all-
State honors for placing in the top 10.
  Sophomore Landon Horton earned a State medal for placing in the top 
15, and sophomore Matthew Lisk rounded out the scoring. Carter Starley 
and Jonathan Hornbaker also ran for the Clarke County boys team, and 
Warren Maiberger, Brody Ellis, and Luke LaMaster were members of the 
post-season championship team.
  The team is led by Coach Jeff Webster, who was named the Winchester 
Star Cross Country Coach of the Year for both girls and boys. According 
to Webster, the guys simply outperformed what we thought they would do. 
To place 4 runners in the top 15 was just an exceptional effort and one 
that other teams could not match.
  Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the 2024 Clarke County boys 
cross country team. Virginia's Sixth Congressional District is 
incredibly proud of their accomplishment, and I wish them continued 
success in the seasons ahead.


                   Allowing Women to Thrive in Sports

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025.
  Since 1972, Title IX has allowed women to thrive and excel in sports 
nationwide. This landmark legislation has empowered countless women to 
compete at the highest levels, achievements we should honor and 
protect.
  Yet, the left has embarked on a relentless campaign to rewrite Title 
IX, aiming to erase the critical distinctions between men and women, 
boys and girls. This misguided agenda poses

[[Page H120]]

a direct threat to the very spirit of Title IX, opening the doors for 
biological males to compete in women's sports, thereby undermining the 
hard-won accomplishments of female athletes nationwide.
  Let me be clear: House Republicans will not idly stand by while the 
radical left diminishes over five decades of progress for women.
  The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 is essential 
for ensuring that all young women who aspire to play sports have the 
opportunity to compete fairly, preserving fairness and protecting their 
achievements. We must safeguard the integrity of female athletics so 
that young women can succeed in sports for generations to come.

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