[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9723]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE LADYWOOD BLAZERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the Ladywood 
Blazers, Michigan High Athletic Association Division II Softball 
Champions, from my hometown of Livonia upon winning their first state 
title.
  Led by Head Coach Scott Combs, the Blazers won the Central Division 
of the Catholic High School League and went on to defeat Farmington 
Hills Mercy to earn the CHSL A-B Division championship.
  Ladywood came out swinging in their opening round of district play, 
overpowering Livonia Clarenceville, 17-0. The Blazers eliminated 
Dearborn Divine Child, 4-0, in the District 58 final and advanced to 
regional competition. First round opponent Detroit Kettering forfeited 
but the down time did not affect the Blazers as they erased Center 
Line, 13-0 and claimed the Region 15 title. Advancing to quarterfinal 
action, Ladywood defeated St. Clair, 4-2 and then tamed the Wildcats of 
Wayland Union by an identical 4-2 score in the semi-final round to earn 
a berth in the state final.
  The Blazers had been in the state final in 2009, losing a 
heartbreaker to Niles. It was a long ride home from Battle Creek as 
runners-up. This time Ladywood wouldn't be denied as they shutout 
Saginaw Swan Valley, 4-0 and hoisted the Division II State Championship 
Softball trophy on June 16, 2012 to close out a stellar 39-3 season.
  Mr. Speaker, the Ladywood Blazers and Head Coach Scott Combs, having 
compiled an impressive 170-31 record over the last 5 years, deserve to 
be recognized for their determination, achievement, and spirit. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Ladywood Blazers for 
obtaining this spectacular title and honoring their devotion to our 
community and country.

                          ____________________