[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 10074-10075]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 
                    MICHIGAN DIVISION II STATE TITLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2011

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to 
recognize a special

[[Page 10075]]

achievement recently accomplished by the St. Clair High School Saints 
Baseball Team. St. Clair capped off a remarkable and extremely 
memorable 2011 season by taking home the Michigan High School Athletic 
Association (MHSAA) Division II Team State Title! Forty-Eight years 
have passed since St. Clair won their last state high school 
championship which was in boys' gymnastics, so this was truly a time 
for celebration and jubilee. The St. Clair High School Baseball Team 
exhibited true-grit, determination and solidarity to reach the pinnacle 
of this historic season.
  With ``Skipper'' Bill McElreach leading the charge, the Saints played 
strong fundamental baseball focusing on the basics: error-free defense, 
smart base-running and simply putting the ball in play. The Saints were 
able to keep the pressure on their opponents and force them to commit 
untimely mistakes which they were able to capitalize upon.
  This was true in the state finals when the team scored two runs on 
wild pitches en route to a 4-1 victory over Grand Rapids Christian. The 
Saints consistently exhibited the intangibles like heart, discipline 
and a positive attitude. They were never afraid to get their gloves and 
jerseys dirty to make a play.
  In addition, the Saints also complied an impressive final record of 
33 wins and only one 1 loss, with 31 wins coming straight in a row. I 
applaud the entire coaching staff for their efforts to prepare this 
team both mentally and physically for competition.
  Here I think it is worth mentioning our hometown Detroit Tigers who 
are posthumously honoring former Manager Sparky Anderson by retiring 
his Number 11 jersey this season. I think Sparky put it best when he 
said, ``Baseball is a simple game. If you have good players and if you 
keep them in the right frame of mind then the manager is a success.'' I 
am sure Coach McElreach would echo that same sentiment.
  In commend the Saints for staying energized and hungry each time they 
crossed the white chalk to face-off against their opponents. This is an 
extremely difficult task, considering the various pressures and 
distractions high school student-athletes face on a daily basis.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the hard work and sacrifices 
displayed by all the members of the 2011 St. Clair High School Baseball 
Program. I congratulate the coaches, staff, teachers, parents, students 
and fans for their assistance in making this a season no one will ever 
forget.
  Despite the hardships, set-backs and obstacles, the Saints showed 
they had the skills, will power and fortitude to rise to any challenge 
and accomplish their ultimate goal--a State Championship! Teamwork, 
perseverance and friendship all contributed to this title as well. I 
know the City of St. Clair, St. Clair County and the East China School 
District take great pride in what these young men were able to 
accomplish.
  In closing Mr. Speaker, I share that same pride and express my 
personal congratulations and best wishes. All the accolades, awards and 
trophies won by this team are rightfully deserved. This baseball squad 
exceeded expectations and established a tradition of winning for future 
teams to follow. Way to go Saints!

                          ____________________