[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6163]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE BEDFORD GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE MICHIGAN 
                       CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Bedford 
High School girls' volleyball team in honor of its 2005 Class A State 
Championship.
  This remarkable group of Kicking Mules culminated a year of fantastic 
play by toppling top-ranked Grand Rapids Forrest Hills Northern in the 
first ever five-game final to capture the championship. These young 
ladies have persevered beyond injury and daunting adversaries to become 
the best in the State of Michigan. This is Bedford's third title in 
eight years, and it continues their amazing streak of 16 straight trips 
to the state's Final Four.
  Coach Jodi Manore, a graduate of Bedford High School, has been at the 
helm of Bedford's girls' volleyball team for 21 years. Her sage 
leadership has built one of the most rigorous and successful programs 
in the state. The success of the Bedford volleyball program is a true 
credit to her vision and ability as a coach.
  The intangible synergy necessary to win the State Championship cannot 
easily be replicated. These young ladies have reached the pinnacle of 
their sport through outstanding athleticism and teamwork. Team members 
Kali Kuhl, Petra Whitcraft, Veronica Rood, Emily Fahrer, Tara Breske, 
Lexi Leonhard, Amy Zuccarell, Kelsey Cousino, Stephanie Champine, Jamie 
Swick, Michelle Obert, Hanna O'Connor, Jackie Blaida and Courtney 
Riehle all deserve recognition for their phenomenal achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in commending 
the Bedford High School girls' volleyball team on its exceptional 
season and 2005 Class A State Championship.

                          ____________________