[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 23849-23850] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO THE MENOMINEE MAROONS ______ HON. BART STUPAK of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Menominee Maroons, my hometown high school football team that has demonstrated tenacity, courage and skill. Two weeks ago, the Maroons brought the Division 5 state football championship home to Menominee. The team qualified for the state championship after going undefeated in the regular season with a record of 9-0. Equally impressive, in five playoff games, the Menominee Maroons allowed only one touchdown, outscoring their opponents 201 to 6! The Maroons enjoy the distinction of being just the third team to shut out four playoff opponents. Also notable: this year's Menominee Maroons broke the school's previous single-season scoring record of 539 points in a season. Head Coach Ken Hofer deserves much of the credit for shepherding his team to such success. Coach Hofer has the tenth winningest record in the state of Michigan: 266-122-2. This is the second championship that his teams have brought back to Menominee, having also won the Class BB title in 1998. In some ways, Coach Hofer and his style of football harken back to an earlier era. Coach Hofer has been at the helm of the Menominee team for 38 years and during that time he has run the unique, ``single-wing'' offense that is reminiscent of 1940s football. Under this offense, no one player on Menominee's offensive backfield is a ``traditional quarterback'' as each of the four ``backs'' may run or pass the ball. This unique formation has successfully confused opponents around the state and allowed Menominee to achieve its solid winning record. Under the single-wing offense, the center makes a direct snap on each play to a player in the backfield. Unlike under the more commonly seen shotgun formation, the center snaps the football to a player who may not be directly behind him. Despite this irregular technique, Menominee saw hardly any turnovers throughout the season, which can be attributed to the team's unremitting practice. Ultimately, the single-wing formation relies more heavily on teamwork than other formations. Menominee's single wing offense is taught throughout the Menominee area public school system, starting in 9th grade by Coaches Jeff Bayerl, Mark Bayerl and Jim Anderla. Maroons Junior Varsity is coached by Greg Langlois and Dave Mathieu. These freshman and junior varsity coaches are also part of the ``scouting team,'' which traveled over 5,000 miles this past season to see and learn opponents' strengths and weaknesses in preparation for each Maroon victory. I would be remiss if I did not discuss the defense of the Maroons and their shutout performance through the playoffs and their efforts to hold Madison Heights, their state final opponents, to six points. Equally important, the Maroons held their opponents to just 38 points during the entire regular season. In the 9 games of the regular season, the Menominee Maroons outscored their opponents 332-38, truly an astonishing feat. Menominee's performance in the championship game built upon this strong showing. The Maroons out-gained Madison Heights 442 yards to 232, despite Madison controlling the clock by almost 10 more minutes. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in saluting the 2006 Menominee Maroons football team of Brian Boye, Tom Janson, Ethan Shaver, Nathan Shaver, David Oczus, Matt LaCanne, Dustin Kovar, Austin Fernstrum, Jacob McMahon, Bryan Colvin, Matt Eisenzoph, Robert Forgette, Mike Hansen, Derek Rye, Blake Chouinard, Scott Demars, Aaron Thomsen, Ryan Paliewicz, Anthony Polazzo, Josh Johnson, Tom Carriveau, Zac Robertson, Sam Piche, Ian Rider, Brian Smith, Tyler Blom, Donald Jones, Steve Busick, Josh Blavat, Andrew Whipp, Nathan Linsmeier, Justin Ketchum, Brian Busick, Joe Klitze, Kert Roubal, Trevor Powell, Jacob Pedersen and Cody Woods. I would also ask that you join me in honoring the Assistant Coaches ``Satch'' Englund, Joe Noha and Jamie Schomer who helped drive this team to victory as well as Managers Jared Thiesen and Bobby Olsen. Athletic Trainers Derek Butler and Dr. Michael Karkkainen and Athletic Director Dale Van Duinen should also be recognized for their contributions to the Maroons' success. Of course, Head Coach Ken Hofer has earned the thanks, respect and admiration of all of Menominee, not only for this season, but for the 38 that preceded it. Coach Hofer has done great work in bringing out the best in his players. Coach Hofer said of this year's Menominee Maroons, ``These young men came to practice every day, and I don't mean just show up. They came to practice hard. And in every game they went all out.'' The 2006 Menominee Maroons football team members are also champions off the field. Menominee football is more than just passing, punting, running, kicking and tackling; it is about developing the ``inner athlete''. Coach Hofer and his entire staff know that the lessons of life can be learned on the gridiron. Coach Hofer often talked about the team's ``focus''. This team's dedication, commitment and focus are why so many Maroon fans followed, supported and believed in their team. The 2006 state champion Menominee Maroons have clearly learned the lessons of life embodied in what another well respected Menominee County coach, the late Dale Fountain, often stated: What Really Matters ``Never lose track of what really matters. It does not matter how many points you earn, medals you win or trophies you take home. What really matters is what kind of competitor you are, what kind of son or daughter you are, what kind of student you are, and what kind of adult you will become!'' [[Page 23850]] Mr. Speaker, my wife, Laurie, and I know many of these championship football players and recognize that each of them is a champion in our community. Menominee and the people of the Upper Peninsula know that when we proudly chant ``U.P. Power'', it is a reflection of our pride in our Menominee Maroon football tradition and the fine young men who brought home another football championship to our fine community. It is with great pride that I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating and honoring these football champions. ____________________