[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 287-288]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE UBLY HIGH SCHOOL BEARCATS 2008 FOOTBALL SEASON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge 
the inspiring and truly remarkable football season displayed both on 
and off the field by the Ubly High School Bearcats from Huron County.
  The Bearcats took an undefeated record of 13 wins and 0 losses in to 
the Division 7 State Championship at Ford Field in Detroit against 
perennial powerhouse Traverse City St. Francis. Although at the end of 
the contest St. Francis had prevailed on the scoreboard, Ubly can stand 
proud with their heads held high. I think former Green Bay Packers 
Coach Vince Lombardi said it best, ``We didn't lose the game; we just 
ran out of time.''
  The 2008 season was comprised of more than just film sessions, chalk 
talks and wind sprints but something beyond the parameters

[[Page 288]]

of just football. Sadly in early October, the entire Ubly community 
experienced a tremendous loss when former teammate and classmate, David 
Ostenski, passed away from cancer at age 17. David was diagnosed while 
a member of the JV team but courageously continued his support of the 
football team despite his ailing physical condition. Less than 2 weeks 
before his passing, David was recognized during a special ceremony at 
the homecoming game and even took pictures with the homecoming court 
proudly wearing his #44 black and orange jersey.
  This small rural town sought comfort in each other, rallied together 
as family and used football as a form of therapy to ease the pain of 
this devastating loss. To commemorate his life, each player wore 
David's name on his helmet and broke each huddle saying his name.
  Led by Head Coach Bill Sweeny, these 24 young men conveyed the true 
meaning of the human spirit, in what was a historic run to the school's 
first finals appearance, and that through tragedy you can find triumph.
  When you reflect upon the entire season, everyone can agree that 
these young men are ``real'' champions and they should be proud of all 
their accomplishments. They persevered when confronted with adversity 
and matured quickly beyond their years. They learned that life is not 
always fair but instead of giving up they stepped up to meet each 
challenge head-on and will forever have those experiences to help them 
grow in the future.
  Thank you to the 2008 Ubly Football Team for providing coaches, 
school officials, students, and parents with an outstanding season. I 
commend you all! Way to go Bearcats.

                          ____________________