[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11104]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE COUPLED WITH ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2006

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the women of 
Ragsdale High School in the Sixth District of North Carolina have 
proven their amazing athletic ability with state championship titles in 
both tennis and track and field.
  The outstanding athletes who run, jump, relay, throw, and ultimately 
put their entire heart into the sport, better known as the track and 
field team, have been battling in a tremendously competitive district. 
The past two seasons they achieved second place and were fearful that 
this year would produce similar results. The old cliche, however, 
proved true: ``The third time's the charm!'' This year the Tigers' hard 
work paid off and Ragsdale finished first in the state.
  We are pleased to recognize all the members of the Ragsdale track and 
field team who contributed to this impressive victory. Members include: 
Rachael Acquaye, Courtney Brandenburg, Laura Brentnell, Chloe 
Christian, Courtney Cole, Kierra Crutchfield, Naadia Crutchfield, Julia 
Gomez, Asha Gray, Dionne Harp, Tyera Herbin, Shea Jackson, Tay Jackson, 
Portia Jordan, Emily Kimmel, Savannah Lloyd, Jessica McCray, Raven 
McKlver, Albiana Mustafa, Charlse Nelson, Lakeya O'Neal, Briana 
Overdiep, Cary Quillian, Mercia Perry, Nikkita Rowlings, Paisley 
Robinson, Mollie Rogers, Eunique Singleton, Rachel Smith, Caitlin 
Thornley, Cecilia Woke, Antioinette Walker, Katherine Webb, Amy Wenner, 
and LaNisha Woods.
  After 25 years of coaching, Head Coach Sam Bays capped a tremendous 
career by bringing in a state title. The players recognize him as the 
reason for much of their success, and he is obviously proud of them in 
turn. Neither the coach nor the track and field team could have jumped 
this hurdle without the help of Assistant Coaches Ronnie Smith, Tommy 
Norwood and Zachary Crutchfield.
  We are late in congratulating the Ragsdale women's tennis team for 
capturing the state tennis title last year. Congratulations to: Tianna 
Carter, Cameron Chatman, Chelsea Chatman, Sruthi Cherkur, Kiera 
Crutchfield, Naadia Crutchfield, Jeanette Edwards, Ashley Johnson, 
Grace Kennerly, Hanae Matsui, Sirena Pickett, Paris Sims, Jessica Wise 
and Catherine Wood. Congratulations also to Head Coach Zachary 
Crutchfield for leading this group of extremely talented women to 
victory.
  On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we 
congratulate the Ragsdale Tigers on the amazing achievements of both 
teams. Congratulations to Principal Dr. Kathryn Rogers, Athletic 
Director Mike Raybon, the teachers, staff, students, parents, and fans 
of Ragsdale High school for bringing academic as well as athletic 
excellence.

                          ____________________