[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 25]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 33767]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 2007 MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION II 
        FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2007

  Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, it is a great pleasure and privilege 
that I offer the following resolution and an accolade of tribute to 
Head Coach James Reynolds, Jr., the assistant coaches, and the players 
of Martin Luther King, Jr. High School's boys football team on their 
stellar season. I am proud to salute this wonderful organization. This 
organization was honored during a special ceremony on Friday, November 
30, 2007 at Cobo Hall where thousands of Detroiters paid tribute to the 
King Crusade.
  Whereas, under the skilled guidance of Head Coach James Reynolds, Jr. 
and Defensive Coordinator Dale Harvel, Martin Luther King, Jr. High 
School's boys football team won the Michigan High School Athletic 
Association (MHSAA) Division II title, defeating Midland Dow High 
School by the score of 47 to 21 on Friday, November 23, 2007. Detroit 
King is the first Detroit Public School League (PSL) team to win a 
State title since the MHSAA started the playoff system in 1975.
  Whereas, Coach Reynolds found his calling as the head coach of the 
King Crusaders football team--a post he has held for 34 years; made 
many personal sacrifices for the sake of training his teams; gave 
freely of his time and focused on developing athletes, mentoring young 
men, and instilling the principles of good sportsmanship; and retired 
in June of 2007 but returned to King High School to coach football. 
Under Coach Reynolds's leadership, his teams have posted an impressive 
record of 250 wins and 106 losses; nine city championships; four 
regional championships; and three appearances in the State finals. 
Coach Reynolds is the only Detroit Public School coach who has led 
football teams to the Michigan State finals.
  Whereas, Defensive Coordinator Harvel, a valuable member of the 
staff, made personal sacrifices in order to help the players develop 
their athletic skill, good character and to abide by the principles of 
good sportsmanship. Mr. Harvel exhibited true team spirit by working in 
unison with the other coaches for the benefit of the athletes and the 
best results on the football field.
  Whereas, with a balance of excellent scoring and tough defense, 
Detroit King displayed great poise in setting goals for themselves at 
the beginning of the season by going out and making their dreams become 
reality through hard work and commitment. Many of the talents and 
characteristics they exhibited in reaching this goal will help them in 
all aspects of their lives.
  In special tribute, therefore, this resolution is dedicated to extend 
the highest commendation to the Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, 
the coaching staff, and the members of the boys football team for their 
victorious and first MHSAA Division II Football State Championship. On 
behalf of the United States House of Representatives, and the 
Congressional Black Caucus, we salute you. May the Congress of the 
United States, and the Nation, know of our collective pride in your 
accomplishments and achievements.

                          ____________________