[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING PUSCH RIDGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
(Mr. Ciscomani of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pusch
Ridge Christian Academy men's basketball team for winning their first
championship in the history of the program.
The 11th ranked Lions beat the 5th ranked Palo Verde Titans with a
score of 69-46, an incredible performance by all players.
From being four games under 0.500 just 6 weeks ago to clinching their
goal as champions, this victory is an incredible underdog story.
This championship caps off a monumental achievement for second-year
coach Steve Solita, who has transformed the Lions into a winning
program during his short tenure.
To the players, coaches, family members, and anyone who played a part
in this special season, I congratulate them on this historic
achievement. They have made their school and our community extremely
proud. Mr. Speaker, may they know that we all look forward to rooting
for them next season again.
Recognizing Wolfgang Weber
Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible
contributions Wolfgang Weber has given to the soccer community in
southern Arizona.
Born in Germany in 1944, Wolfgang distinguished himself as a talented
soccer player before immigrating to the United States in 1973.
In 1977, he was the cofounder and head coach of Tucson United Soccer
Club and the Tucson Soccer Academy. During this time, his team made it
to eight finals and won three state championships.
In 1982, he became head coach of Salpointe Catholic High School men's
soccer program and has amassed an outstanding record of 888 games, 793
wins, went to the State finals 12 times, becoming State champions 10
times. He is the longest tenured head coach in Tucson's history,
coaching 43 seasons.
In fact, Coach Weber just led the Salpointe men's soccer team to a
championship this year, their fifth title in a row.
For his passion, devotion to all student athletes that he has
coached, and his genuine love for the game of soccer, Wolfgang was
rightfully inducted into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005
and the Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. Wolfgang
Weber is known as the father of soccer in southern Arizona, and
rightfully so.
Wolfgang's legacy reminds us of the incredible impact one person can
have in a community. Through his passion for soccer, he has enriched
southern Arizona in ways that will be felt for generations to come.
Honoring Mark Schmitt
Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Schmitt on his
retirement as the director of the Small Business Development Center at
Cochise College and thank him for his outstanding leadership and
support for small businesses, the backbone of our local economy.
As a former businessowner himself, Mark leveraged his deep knowledge
of the trials and triumphs of running a small business to help others.
Through his 17 years as the SBDC, he was more than willing to help out
those chasing their own American Dream.
The center not only helps prospective owners launch their businesses,
it also provides a variety of cost-free classes and services, such as
forming a business plan, designing a website, and much, much more.
Throughout his time as director, Mark was instrumental in hosting
workshops, pursuing grants, and advocating for the small business
economy to thrive.
Mark's unwavering commitment to this purpose has truly made a long-
lasting impact. I know we are all thankful for Mark's leadership and
service to southern Arizona. His legacy and the invaluable
contributions he has made will continue to positively influence his
community and the lives of countless people. Once again, I thank him
for his service.
____________________