[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     RECOGNIZING THE SHREWSBURY HIGH SCHOOL COLONIALS BASEBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the community of 
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in celebrating the outstanding performance 
of the Shrewsbury High School Colonials Baseball team. Their remarkable 
season came to an abrupt end on June 19th with their defeat in the 
Division 1 State Championship game. This defeat, however, could not 
detract from their extraordinary season.
  The mentality of the Colonials' baseball team can be summed up in a 
common idiom--``comeback kids.'' However there is nothing ``common'' 
about this group of distinguished young men. This season, driven by the 
passionate leadership of Coach Dave Niro, the Colonials surprised many 
with late-inning rallies, strong defense, and incredible hitting. As a 
matter of fact, four of their last six wins were come-from-behind 
victories. It was their ``never-say-die'' attitude that lifted the 
spirits and performance of the Shrewsbury High School Baseball team to 
a level that very few anticipated.
  Teamwork was the key to the Colonials' highly successful season. Led 
on the field by co-captains Catcher Jimmy Board and First Baseman Jamie 
Buonomo, every player performed to the highest level. The sensational 
play of outfielders Shayne Barnes, Tommy Crossman, and Tim Kilroy, the 
outstanding defense of infielders Jon Bacotti, Alex Biaz, Ryan Bigda, 
Bill Orflea, and Andy Morano, the mastery of pitchers Shawn Walker, Lee 
Diamotopolous, Brendan Slavin and Mike Sigismondo, the clutch hitting 
by designated hitter Matt Vaccaro and the numerous contributions by 
players Bob Roddy, Nick Dion, Matt Amdur, Todd Cooksey, Tim Ford, and 
Brian Merchant helped make this season such a success. Also, special 
recognition must be extended to Head Coach Dave Niro, assistants P.J. 
O'Connell and Jay Costa, and manager Michelle Pessolano.
  It is with tremendous pride that I recognize the members of the 
Shrewsbury High School Colonials Baseball team for an unforgettable 
season. I congratulate them on their accomplishment and wish them the 
best of luck in the years to come.

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