[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                1998 CONNECTICUT STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONS

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
Cromwell High School Boys' Varsity Soccer team for winning the 1998 
Connecticut State Soccer Championship. This achievement reflects the 
proud soccer tradition that has been established at Cromwell High 
School and the outstanding caliber of its student athletes.
  With a first-rate team and a phenomenal level of play, the Cromwell 
Panthers concluded their season with an impressive record of 20-1. The 
Panthers became known throughout Connecticut for their strong defensive 
play and balanced team of players. In soccer, as in so many sports, a 
blend of smart players and smart decisions results in victories. The 
Cromwell Panthers proved they have this combination. The strength of 
this team was demonstrated by their ability to hold their opponents to 
a total of only 6 goals for the entire season.
  The state championship game was played with emotion against an 
equally talented opponent, the Old Saybrook Rams. Although the Panthers 
were favored to win, neither the team's coaches nor its athletes took 
victory for granted. After receiving two yellow cards in the first half 
and being outshot by their opponents for most of the game, the Panthers 
entered the second half with a refocused energy. The Panthers' first 
goal came late when Justin Linehan received a pass from Steve Dworak 
and sent the ball soaring just out of reach of the Rams' goalie. Steve 
repeated his superb passing performance when he sent a left cross pass 
to Mike Flanagan who headed the ball past a diving goalie with only two 
minutes left in the game. This final goal was a turning point in the 
game, bringing it to a 2-0 score in the Panther's favor and helping to 
guarantee their win.
  This championship game also took on a more personal meaning for its 
players and, most especially, its head coach. Sadly, Coach Mike 
Pitruzzello's father, Manny, passed away a week before the start of the 
season. In his honor, Coach Pitruzzello dedicated the Panthers' second 
championship win to his late father. Even during a time of personal 
hardship, Coach Pitruzzello continued to guide and nurture his team to 
a near-perfect regular season and a championship win. Nothing better 
reflects his love for the sport and his players than the dedication 
Coach Pitruzzello has shown throughout this season. I am sure his 
father would have not only been proud of his son, but also honored by 
the sportsmanship exhibited by these talented young men on the field.
  Winning a state championship is an exciting and gratifying moment for 
any young student athlete. In their win over the Old Saybrook Rams, the 
Cromwell Panthers demonstrated a talent they had perfected throughout 
their regular season with hard work and the guidance of an experienced 
and caring coaching staff. Furthermore, as with any team sport, it is 
not just one player who makes the amazing pass or singlehandedly scores 
the critical goal, but rather a cooperative effort from each player who 
offers his own special talent which ultimately adds to the success of 
the entire team. The Cromwell High School Boys' Varsity Soccer team 
exemplifies the true spirit of teamwork and tenacity, and it is because 
of those qualities that they are now the state champions.
  At this time I would like to recognize all the members and coaches of 
the Boys' Varsity Soccer team and, again, congratulate them all on 
their momentous and well-deserved victory:
  Head Coach Mike Pitruzzello, Assistant Coach Bruce Swanson, Freshman 
Coach John Harder, Paul Dworak, Steve Dworak, Tony Faienza, Mike Fazio, 
Mike Flanagan, Bryce Gibson, Eric Harrison, Nick Libera, Steve Libera, 
Justin Linehan, Shawn Maher, Jason Negrini, Mike Simeone, Ryan Steele, 
Ron Szymanski, Colin Whalen, and Sean Whalen.

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