[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE DECATUR CENTRAL BASEBALL TEAM, 2008 INDIANA STATE 
                               CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Decatur 
Central High School baseball team. The Hawks were crowned Division 4A 
Indiana State Baseball Champions on June 14, 2008 at Indianapolis's 
Victory Field. Decatur Central captured the state title with a 7-3 
victory over Fort Wayne's Homestead High School.
  The boys worked tirelessly throughout the season and compiled an 
overall record of 29-7. This is the first state championship for a 
Decatur Central team.
  This year's team was led by seniors Harmon Cooper, Zack Deakin, 
Anthony Eldridge, Adam Kirk, Shawn Mattingly, Jeff Pace, and Isaac 
Pruitt. Other members of the team include juniors Jake Gharst, Aaron 
Gregory, Andrew Kinnaird, Nate Kress, Pat Sharpe, Kenny Rackley, Nick 
Stoia, Taylor Tijerina and sophomores Eric Howell, Brent Ledford, Shane 
Muse, Ronnie Shelton, Austin Sprinkle and Zach Weldon. Top performers 
this year included Nick Stoia, who set a school record for runs batted 
in and Andrew Kinnaird, who set a school record for doubles.
  This team's achievements would not have been possible without the 
support of their coaches and school officials. Head Coach Phil Webster, 
in his 23rd season of coaching at Decatur Central, and his staff served 
as excellent teachers and mentors to the young men they were charged 
with coaching. Additionally, all the Decatur Central fans, and in 
particular the always energetic student body, should be recognized for 
their enthusiasm and pride in their team.
  The 2008 Decatur Central baseball team has secured a place in the 
storied history of Indiana high school sports. I offer my 
congratulations to the members of the team, the coaching staff, the 
school, and the greater Indianapolis community on their accomplishments 
throughout the season.

                          ____________________