CONGRATULATING BROADWAY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

CONGRATULATING BROADWAY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)] [House] [Pages H119-H120] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING BROADWAY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes. Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding group of young athletes in Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, the Broadway High School boys cross country team, which won the VHSL Class 3 State championship in November. Despite online predictions that showed the Gobblers losing by over 50 points, each runner clocked in at their fastest time that day to clinch first place with a 10-point margin over the runners-up. Along the way, the team also became district and regional champs for the first time in the school's history. The following team members made this victory possible: Peyton Allen, Gavin Diehl, Grayson Jacquez, Jaiden Nguyen, Asher Ryan, Gavin Ryman, Cameron Shifflett, Lee Souder, and Tristan Yoder. Head Coach Darrell Zook and Assistant Coach Michael Sheets provided their leadership and encouragement. Their success does not just reflect their individual talent but also their commitment to the team. Madam Speaker, I congratulate each runner and their coaches, families, and supporters. Their hard work and dedication have inspired us all. Congratulating Kathryn Ha Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional student athlete from Salem High School and the Roanoke Valley Governor's School, Kathryn Ha. Kathryn is a two-time Virginia High School League 4A coed State golf champion, winning in 2022 and 2024, finishing the latter with an impressive score of 68, 2 under par, even in challenging conditions. She also captured the 2024 VHSL girls open State championship and has been named the Virginia State Golf Association's Junior Girls Player of the Year for both `23 and `24. Under the guidance of Head Coach Blaine Hancock, Kathryn has competed at the highest levels, including representing the United States at the Junior Solheim Cup in Spain. Introduced to golf by her father, Tim Ha, she credits him with shaping her mental game, proving that family support is invaluable. Academically, Kathryn shines as well, maintaining a stellar 4.377 GPA. She plans to continue pursuing her academic and athletic journey at Vanderbilt University. Kathryn's remarkable achievements exemplify perseverance, skill, and sportsmanship. She serves as a role model not just in her community but for young athletes across our Nation. I congratulate Kathryn. Congratulating Clarke County High School Boys Cross Country Team Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clarke County High School boys cross country team for their remarkable achievement in winning the Class 2 State championship. The Eagles placed four runners in the top 15 and scored 49 points to capture the program's first State title since 2009. Seniors James Casey, Jackson Ellis, and Aidan Kreeb each earned all- State honors for placing in the top 10. Sophomore Landon Horton earned a State medal for placing in the top 15, and sophomore Matthew Lisk rounded out the scoring. Carter Starley and Jonathan Hornbaker also ran for the Clarke County boys team, and Warren Maiberger, Brody Ellis, and Luke LaMaster were members of the post-season championship team. The team is led by Coach Jeff Webster, who was named the Winchester Star Cross Country Coach of the Year for both girls and boys. According to Webster, the guys simply outperformed what we thought they would do. To place 4 runners in the top 15 was just an exceptional effort and one that other teams could not match. Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the 2024 Clarke County boys cross country team. Virginia's Sixth Congressional District is incredibly proud of their accomplishment, and I wish them continued success in the seasons ahead. Allowing Women to Thrive in Sports Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025. Since 1972, Title IX has allowed women to thrive and excel in sports nationwide. This landmark legislation has empowered countless women to compete at the highest levels, achievements we should honor and protect. Yet, the left has embarked on a relentless campaign to rewrite Title IX, aiming to erase the critical distinctions between men and women, boys and girls. This misguided agenda poses [[Page H120]] a direct threat to the very spirit of Title IX, opening the doors for biological males to compete in women's sports, thereby undermining the hard-won accomplishments of female athletes nationwide. Let me be clear: House Republicans will not idly stand by while the radical left diminishes over five decades of progress for women. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 is essential for ensuring that all young women who aspire to play sports have the opportunity to compete fairly, preserving fairness and protecting their achievements. We must safeguard the integrity of female athletics so that young women can succeed in sports for generations to come. ____________________