[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 865]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 RECOGNIZING THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPION HIGH SCHOOL OF COMMERCE FOOTBALL 
                                  TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
wonderful accomplishments of the football team from the High School of 
Commerce in Springfield, MA. The Commerce football team finished the 
season 10-1 and captured the first State title in school history. This 
was the first Super Bowl game for Commerce since 1978, and the players 
made the most of their chance by beating Bay Path Regional Vocational 
Technical 33-15.
  The Commerce team became the Division IIIA Super Bowl Champions on 
the strength of their defense which was able to come up with three 
fumble recoveries and an interception. The Red Raiders scored three 
touchdowns in just 42 seconds during the second quarter and never 
looked back. Commerce amassed over 200 yards on the ground behind the 
superb running of Julius Walker, who gained over 100 yards by himself. 
Credit must be given to the offensive line. Although they are 
accustomed to throwing the ball, the Commerce offense adjusted to the 
Bay Path game plan and ran the ball successfully.
  Head Coach Todd Kosel leads a program which recently endured a 
winless season. However, Coach Kosel has turned all of that around and 
now has a team feared and respected for its intelligence, its 
determination, and its commitment. The depth of this squad can be seen 
on the score sheet as touchdowns were scored by five different players: 
Alfonso Dixon, Brandon Bass, Wister Figueroa, Julius Walker, and 
Michael Vaz.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, allow me to recognize and congratulate the 
Super Bowl Champions from the High School of Commerce. I wish all of 
the student-athletes on this team the best of luck in 2000 as they 
return to defend their title.

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