[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7162]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  THE PORTER COWBOYS' 5A SOCCER TITLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Porter 
Cowboys, winners of the University Interscholastic League Class 5A 
boys' soccer state championship. These young players came painstakingly 
close to defeat, but rose to victory in a 2-1 double-overtime win, 
earning Brownsville's first 5A state championship, and the pride of 
South Texas.
  The Cowboys came back from a 1-0 deficit against the highly regarded 
team of Coppell in a match that went to two 10-minute overtime periods. 
The agility and perseverance of this team gained the recognition of 
even the rival coach who could not deny the heart the Cowboys put 
forth.
  Less than a minute later, Porter tied up the game 1-1, after 
Coppell's only goal. The winning shot scored with 3:42 left on the 
stadium scoreboard, leaving the Cowboys' solid defense squad to protect 
the lead. The team left it all on the field to earn the Rio Grande 
Valley's first 5A title in soccer.
  With such dedicated players and skilled coaching, it seems only right 
that their remarkable qualities led them to this year's championship. 
Their triumph is significant to both the team and their fans because it 
tells the story of how the road to victory is paved by those who never 
give up.
  The Cowboys' success comes from sheer persistence and true teamwork. 
These young men have learned the supreme principles of both sports and 
life. They have experienced that winning is great but success is 
sweeter when teamwork and faith defy expectations and confront 
challenge.
  These are the young champions: Eric Chapa, Edgar Sanchez, Aldo 
Sierra, Juan Razo, Jose Alvarado, Peter Ruiz, Victor Vela, Cristian 
Sierra, Wilfredo Fernandez, Edgar Acuna, Jorge Briones, Jovanny 
Briones, Alex Lara, Humberto Lopez, Gerardo Herrera, Mario Perez, 
Gerardo Martinez, Diego Rodriguez, Michael Cedillo, Angel Cardenas, 
Jesus Sanchez, Miguel Vasquez, Jose Mojica, Jorge Gandara, Abpsa 
Cardenas, Jose Sosa, and Abel Perez.
  The coaches who led them to victory are Luis Zarate, Arturo A. Puig 
Jr., Pedro Valdez, and Miguel Marroquin.
  I congratulate the Porter Cowboys who through their unwavering 
endurance and determination have brought great pride and joy to all of 
South Texas. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in 
commending this outstanding band of champions who have learned the most 
important lessons of competition, faith, and commitment. Mr. Speaker, 
these young men have inspired us and made us exceptionally proud.

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