[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26054]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       IN RECOGNITION OF THE SHREWSBURY HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2000

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, today I join the community of Shrewsbury, 
Massachusetts in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments and 
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 magical season.
  The mentality of the Colonials' baseball team can be summed up in a 
common idiom: ``comback kids.'' Nevertheless, there is nothing 
``common'' about this group of distinguished young men. Driven by the 
passionate leadership of Coach Dave Niro, the Colonials surprised many 
teams this year with late-inning rallies, strong defense and incredible 
hitting. As a matter of fact, four of their last six victories were of 
the come-from-behind variety. It was this ``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 as if each game were his last: the 
sensational play of outfielders Shayne Barnes, Tommy Crossman, and Tim 
Kilroy; the outstanding defense of infielders Jon Bacott, Alex Biaz, 
Ryan Bigda, Bill Orfalea, and Andy Morano; the mastery of pitchers 
Shawn Walker, Lee Diamantopoulos, Brenda 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. Also, special recognition must 
be extended to the coaches of this team: the aforementioned head Coach 
Dave Niro, and assistants P.J. O'Connell and Jay Costa.
  It is with tremendous pride that I recognize the members of the 
Shrewsbury High School Colonials Baseball team for an unforgettable 
season. These outstanding young men make me so very proud. I 
congratulate them on their accomplishment and wish them the best of 
luck in the years to come.

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