[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5184]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE MAROON GIANTS OF KALAMAZOO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2011

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Maroon 
Giants of Kalamazoo Central High School on their second straight 
Michigan state championship win in men's basketball. These outstanding 
young men have worked hard for this accomplishment and have made their 
community very proud.
  Winning a state championship is a remarkable achievement that few 
teams attain. Winning back-to-back championships is an incredible 
legacy that will live with Kalamazoo Central forever. The Maroon Giants 
and Coach Mike Thomas know what brought this second straight state 
title back to Kalamazoo--hard work. It was running that one extra 
sprint and shooting that extra free throw after practice that helped 
make the Maroon Giants champions. Nobody outworked the Giants, and 
nobody could beat them in the state tournament, and nobody had a 
greater following or more community support. The Giants truly lived up 
to their name on the court.
  It is an honor to pay tribute to the entire Maroon Giants squad: 
Tyler Bell, Allie Buchanan, Tens Buchanan, TJ Buchanan, Jamaal Conger, 
Brandon Delk, Juwan Gamble, Lee Gardner, H'ian Hale, Quante Hill, JeRon 
Johnson, Mark Justice, Daquavion McCants-Wilson, De'tavia Moore, Darius 
Norman, Von Washington III, and Davarius Williams. I also want to 
recognize head coach Mike Thomas and assistant coaches Thomas Dillard, 
Anthony Stuckey, Matt Price, Brandon Williams, Tim Gleeson, Alan Lee 
and team manager Aminder Sohi. We salute all of you.
  On behalf of all the residents of southwest Michigan, congratulations 
again to the Maroon Giants, Coach Thomas, and the entire Kalamazoo 
community--you are an inspiration to us all. It is Giant pride at its 
finest. Go Giants!

                          ____________________