[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12403]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           THE MOODY TROJANS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2004

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Moody 
Trojans, winner of the 2004 Texas High School Class 5-A Baseball 
Championship. These young players came heartbreakingly close to the 
championship as runners-up in the 2000 tournament, but this year the 
prize was all Moody's.
  Moody baseball is not only a community tradition in South Texas, but 
also a family tradition. The players are an extended family, reading 
each other's minds and anticipating each other's moves. This is a group 
that sincerely loves to compete.
  The amazing skill of this team won the recognition of coaches, 
resulting in the Trojans finishing second in the nation in the Baseball 
America/National High School Baseball Coaches Association poll released 
Monday. This season for ``Moody Magic'' has been one for the record 
books.
  This is an aggressive, confident team, whose amazing baserunning in 
the title game was a large part of their victory. Of course, with these 
young people, that attitude is pervasive not only on the baseball 
diamond, but in all that they do.
  Moody's fans are as relentless as their team. They were over 75 
percent of the crowd, cheering the players on, chanting, blowing horns, 
yelling, clapping and stomping feet. Like the Trojans of old, they 
didn't give up until the battle was done. Over 1,000 fans met the team 
when their bus got back to Corpus Christi. The crowd rushed to the 
field as the players placed their trophy on the pitcher's mound.
  The Moody Magic is part inspiration, part hard work, and part 
spirituality that draws this team close. They pray together, win 
together and lose together; but they keep their faith.
  Four years ago, they prayed even while their opponent was awarded 
gold medals for the championship; they prayed that the experience would 
make them better people. It did, and 2004 was their year to win the 
gold medals.
  These young people have learned the very best lessons sports can 
teach. They learned that winning is great, but winners on the field are 
made from teamwork and faith; and winners in life are those who master 
the fundamentals, never lose their faith, and put their whole effort 
into all they do.
  I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in commending 
this outstanding group of young champions from ``Moody Magic'' who have 
learned--and lived--the most important lessons of competition, faith 
and dignity. Mr. Speaker, these young people have inspired us and made 
us exceptionally proud.

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