[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8225-8226]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE EAST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, East Aurora, New York took center stage 
last week, as the East Aurora High School Girls varsity

[[Page 8226]]

basketball team earned the distinction of the New York State Class B 
championship, following a successful 44-41 overtime victory on 
Saturday, March 17th in Troy, NY.
  The East Aurora Blue Devils' team slogan for the 2006-2007 season was 
``ONE: One Mission, One Goal, One TEAM'' and the mission of this very 
talented team was to reach their goal of making it to the state 
tournament. Not only did they reach the tournament, they fought their 
way to the championship game, and to the title itself.
  This game marked the first appearance made by the East Aurora Blue 
Devils in a state final. Additionally, their victory marked the end of 
a hard fought, record breaking season for the East Aurora Blue Devils 
who finished the season with a strong record of 24 wins and only 4 
losses.
  The Blue Devils consist of 16 talented young women, outstanding 
student athletes one and all, including: Maggie Croft, Ashley 
Gallagher, Haley Keller, Kelsi Maciejewski, Brogan McCabe, Julia Murak, 
Natasha Peterson, Lauren Schwarzenholzer, Brooke Schutrum, Emily Smith, 
Sarah Soroka, Sam Stanley, Alicia Sweet, Sarah and Jessie Tarantino, 
and Meghan Wolff.
  Throughout the season the players met various challenges and each 
time they stepped up to contribute their talents both as a team and 
individually. In addition to the starting lineup, the bench players 
provided inspiration throughout the entire season and stepped in and 
responded positively on the court whenever they were called upon.
  Also, I would be remiss if I failed to recognize the invaluable 
leadership demonstrated by Head Coach Chris Koselny and Assistant Coach 
Matt Brown during practices, games and championship tournaments alike. 
I also want to acknowledge the support of school administrators, 
Superintendent James Bodziak, and Principal Dr. James Hoagland and 
Athletic Director Fred Thornley and for the additional guidance and 
support they received from parents, teachers and the entire community 
throughout the year.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the great 
success of the East Aurora High School Lady Blue Devils Basketball team 
on a hard fought season that led them to victory in the New York State 
Championship Tournament at Hudson Valley Community College and a record 
breaking season. It is a pleasure to honor the team and their coaches 
here today.

                          ____________________