[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4066]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE MADISON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GYMNASTICS TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2008

  Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, on February 15, 2008, the Madison 
High School girls gymnastics team from my State of South Dakota won its 
14th consecutive state championship. This accomplishment sets a 
national record for consecutive gymnastics State titles.
  The Bulldogs' streak began in 1995 with a narrow victory over Stanley 
County High School and has continued through this season's dominant 
victory over runner-up Britton-Hecla High School.
  Madison's list of accomplishments goes deeper than just a national 
record. The Bulldogs' victory streak is the longest in South Dakota 
history--for any sport--and the team holds the State record for highest 
team score in their class. In addition, Madison gymnasts have won 47 
individual State titles during the streak, setting State class records 
for the balance beam, floor exercise and vault. In addition, Madison's 
Kristen Osterberg set a record with 14 career State titles from 1996 to 
2001.
  Led by former coach Linda Collignon and current coach Maridee 
Dossett, Madison has set a standard by which teams from all across the 
country can be judged. With a focus on team success first, the Madison 
gymnastics program doesn't just produce champions, it also creates 
individuals better prepared to take on all the challenges life can 
present.
  Madam Speaker, it is with enduring pride and respect that I rise 
today in recognition of the Madison gymnastics team on the occasion of 
their record-breaking achievement. Their achievement is not only 
measured in the dominating statistics of their string of victories over 
fourteen years, but also in how they work together as a team in their 
commitment to excellence. The Madison gymnastics team has proven itself 
worthy to be counted among the most dominant high school athletic 
dynasties in the Nation.

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