[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1245
                   MANCHESTER SQUIRES STATE CHAMPIONS

  (Mr. Yakym of Indiana was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize 
and congratulate the Manchester Squires on an extraordinary 
achievement: winning the Class 2A basketball State championship this 
past weekend.
  This victory marks a historic milestone because it was the first 
boys' basketball State championship title in the school's history.
  The journey to a championship is never easy. It requires months, if 
not years, of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless effort. The 
championship win is not just about the trophy or the title. It is about 
the countless hours of practice, the late nights and early mornings, 
and the unwavering belief in one another.
  It is about the community that stood behind them: the fans who filled 
the stands, families who provided constant support, and coaches who 
guided them every step of the way.
  I especially congratulate Coach Henson for his leadership.
  I also congratulate the players, specifically Gavin Betten and Ethan 
Hendrix, who scored 21 points apiece. The players all made their 
school, their families, and their entire community incredibly proud.
  The encouragement of the families, fans, and support staff was 
invaluable to this accomplishment. Their legacy as the first State 
champions in Manchester boys' basketball history will inspire future 
generations of Squires.
  This victory is not just for the team, but for Wabash as a whole. 
They should enjoy this moment. They have earned it. I congratulate them 
once again.


            South Bend Saint Joseph Huskies State Champions

  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the 
South Bend Saint Joseph Huskies on their remarkable triumph in the 
Class 3A State basketball championship this past weekend.
  The Huskies made history with this win, the first-ever boys' 
basketball State championship. Winning a State title is an achievement 
that only a select few teams get to experience. Yet, for the Huskies, 
this championship was even more meaningful as it came just 1 year after 
the heartbreaking loss in last year's State championship.
  Coming back just 1 year later, rising to the challenge, coming back, 
and securing the ultimate victory speaks volumes about the character 
and the commitment of this team.
  The road to a championship is never guaranteed. It is earned through 
hard work in the gym, trust in one another, and the ability to rise to 
the occasion when it matters most. The Huskies did just that.
  I congratulate Coach Eric Gaff for his leadership. I also 
congratulate the players, whose determination and refusal to give up 
have written a new chapter in Saint Joseph's history.
  I saw the putback dunk made by Chase Konieczny.
  The unwavering encouragement of the families, fans, and support staff 
helped fuel this team.
  The South Bend community celebrates this moment with the Huskies, and 
their victory will serve as an inspiration for years to come.
  I congratulate the Huskies. This is an accomplishment that will never 
be forgotten.

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