[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE PRINCETON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ``TIGERS'' BASEBALL TEAM WEST 
                        VIRGINIA STATE CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2012

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Princeton Tigers, 
the 2012 Class AAA state high school baseball champions, who won the 
West Virginia state championship with a come from behind 7-4 victory 
over the Nitro Wildcats on June 3, 2012.
  From little league to legends, the Princeton ``Nine'' have stuck 
together through thick and thin. There's a lesson in that for all of 
us. Teamwork is as American as baseball, Chevrolet and apple pie. Every 
time we have succeeded, we have succeeded together.
  And, boy, did the Tigers ever succeed this year.
  We all are proud of what they have accomplished together. They have 
the hearts of true champions, the determination of true all stars, and 
the talents of true all Americans.
  And if you have any questions about that, well then, just ask Josh 
Wilburn--Coach of the Year--what this team is made of. Congratulations, 
Coach--way to bring it home--you deserve this honor.
  There's not much I can tell Mercer Countians about baseball--a county 
where baseball is the county's pastime--from Little League to the minor 
league. And we know the value especially of Little League, as only the 
great Yogi Berra could put it, ``Little League baseball is a very good 
thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.''
  Mr. Speaker, all in the Nation's Capitol, should take notice of what 
nine young men with grit and gumption can do when a seasoned coach 
brings out the best in each of them and turns teamwork into triumph.
  Congress could use a few doses of Tiger spirit here in the Capitol, 
as well. Because when one participates in a celebratory parade with 
this community as I did, you know that it just wasn't nine guys on the 
field and their coach by the dugout by themselves in that championship 
game. It was the whole town rooting with them and for them.
  Princeton High School is a special place. The city, Mercer County, 
the State of West Virginia, and our nation have invested in this 
community. These students are blessed with many fields and resources 
other schools can only dream of, and they have more choices in 
extracurricular activities than many can even imagine.
  But, they have your priorities right, too. All nine student athletes 
graduated before they took to the championship field. Parents, 
boosters, coaches, teachers, staff and administrators are all fully 
engaged--day in and out.
  The good book tells us that to whom much is given, much is also 
expected. Everyone should celebrate their well-earned championship 
today. But for all the tomorrows yet to come they cannot ever forget 
what this one day means--that hard work, determination, community 
support and spirit, good leadership and teamwork can produce victories 
throughout life.
  As dependable family members, good neighbors, and fellow citizens 
there will be many causes to champion. Looking around Princeton High 
School at the Tigers celebration, I know I am looking at champions--
America's champions--on and off the field.
  Congratulations to everyone in Tiger Country.

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