[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING EISENHOWER HIGH SCHOOL IN RIALTO, CALIFORNIA, FOR WINNING 
             THE DIVISION 2 STATE TITLE IN BOY'S BASKETBALL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the boy's 
basketball team at Eisenhower high school, in my hometown of Rialto, 
for winning the California Interscholastic Federation Division 2 state 
title on Friday, March 20.
  The Eisenhower Eagles ended their 32-3 season with a 73-61 victory 
over the Rocklin Thunder. Friday's win was the 23rd consecutive victory 
for the Eagles, and occurred in front of a crowd of over 10,000 in 
Sacramento.
  Eisenhower's remarkable run to the state title came after a 28-3 
regular season, and playoff victories over state powerhouse Loyola, and 
a win against high rated Leuzinger.
  Their historic victory marks the first ever California 
Interscholastic Federation state title for a school from San Bernardino 
County.
  Everyone said they were too small, but led by head coach Steve 
Johnson, the undersized Eisenhower squad achieved victory against a 
taller Rocklin team by causing turnovers with quick-handed tactics and 
dominating the Thunder in transition points up and down the court.
  Coach Johnson has led the Eagles program back to greatness only two 
years after taking a several year hiatus from coaching.
  I specifically want to recognize all 9 Eisenhower players, and thank 
Andrew Bock, Bryan Bock, Alex Varner, Nicholas Carter, Keyon Sayles, 
Devin Garner, Nazareth Richardson, Bernard Ireland, and Kirby Gardner 
for their hard work and commitment to excellence throughout the season.
  I also want to recognize the parents, assistant coaches, and school 
administrators--who all played a critical role in Eisenhower's State 
Championship run.
  Brendan Lane, star player for the opposing Rocklin Thunder, said 
about the Eagles, ``They're relentless. They get every rebound and 
every loose ball. They come after you the whole time.''
  On behalf of myself, my wife Barbara, Councilman Joe Baca Jr., 
Jeremy, Jennifer, and Natalie Baca, I congratulate the Eisenhower 
Eagles for their relentless effort, not just in the title game but 
throughout the season. I thank Coach Johnson and all the Eagle players, 
for their grit and determination, and the hope their achievement has 
brought to the Inland community in these times of economic difficulty.

                          ____________________