[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28171]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN PRAISE OF THE RICHMOND STEELERS FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2005

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
special tribute to the Richmond Steelers Football Team as they return 
from the National Youth Football Pigskin League Tournament in Las 
Vegas. About 128 teams from around the country compete in the 
Tournament. I am proud to represent them in Congress.
  The Richmond Steelers, 200 boys and one girl, under the direction of 
Head Coach Fred Harris, have long been a story of success in the 
history of national youth football. The Steelers have won five 
consecutive California state youth football titles and have compiled a 
59-3 record over that span. The team reached their highest mark last 
year as they took first place in the Midget Division of the Pigskin 
Tournament.
  More than the trophies, the Steelers represent salvation for children 
who otherwise face numerous hardships. In August 2004, players were 
devastated by the murder of Terrance Kelley, a former Steelers player 
and De La Salle High School football star who was on his way to the 
University of Oregon on a football scholarship. In August of this year, 
the day before the team's first practice game, beloved Midget coach 
Waleed Elahi was shot and killed. Waleed and his brother Khalid started 
an early morning breakfast program to ensure that players had a 
nutritious meal each morning before going to school.
  This year, the opportunity to defend their title was nearly stripped 
from the Steelers, as they lacked the funds to travel to Las Vegas for 
the championship games. The team receives no outside funding and relies 
on membership fees and donations to survive. Steelers President Adrian 
Muhammad, when asked about the team's situation, said that unless there 
was a miracle, the team would not be able to afford the trip.
  However, miracles still do happen. Once word got out, the community 
responded, and donations came pouring in. Residents and businesses from 
Contra Costa County banded together to help the team raise $30,000 in 
just a few weeks. With such an overwhelming response, the Steelers were 
able to make the trip.
  The Steelers returned to Richmond with four honors, a first place 
trophy won by the Pee Wees, two second place trophies won by the 
Midgets and the Mighty Mites, and the Junior Midget's third place 
bronze medals. However, for these children and the community at large, 
the fact that the trip was even made possible is every bit as important 
as the outcome of the games. The individuals, businesses and community 
organizations of Richmond pooled their resources and together provided 
the necessary funding. This effort in support of our children 
represents the very best in community spirit and is an example of hope 
that we can all celebrate.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the journey that the coaches 
and players of the Richmond Steelers, and the community in which they 
live, have traveled this year. Please join me in celebrating their 
success.

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