Benishek honors Ishpeming Hematites in Congress
WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today praised the Ishpeming High School Hematites football team following their recent state championship win on November 30.
“On behalf of the residents of Michigan’s First Congressional District, I salute the team, head coach Jeff Olson, the dedicated parents and all who made the long days of training and travel possible, Ishpeming High School, and the city of Ishpeming on winning the championship for a second consecutive year. Their hard work and determination stand as examples for all citizens of Northern Michigan,” stated Dr. Benishek.
A full copy of Dr. Benishek’s comments is below:
“I rise today to congratulate the Ishpeming High School Hematites in earning the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Division 7 Championship this last Saturday, November 30, 2013, at Ford Field in Detroit.
The Hematites earned this distinction by going undefeated during the regular season, winning all nine games. Ishpeming also defeated Mancelona, West Iron County, Lake City, and Harbor Beach to advance to the state championship in Detroit. The Hematites earned their second consecutive championship by defeating the Detroit Loyola Bulldogs 22 to 12. This is the fourth championship earned by the Hematites in school history.
After facing adversity and challenging circumstances last year, the Hematites were able to overcome these daunting circumstances and win the Division 7 championship. I am proud that Ishpeming High School has been able to repeat their stellar performance. On behalf of the residents of Michigan’s First Congressional District, I salute the team and its players: Dominic Suardini, Kyle Selmser, Ozzie Hakkarinen, Tyrus Millimaki, Derek DeCaire, Thomas Finegan, Alex Briones, Noah Olgren, Bobby Zhulkie, Nick Comment, Nate Meyer, Adam Prisk, Dylan Giuchin, Halen Carello, Marcus Antilla, Ozzy Corp, Shawn Peterson, Matt Malone, Mitch Laurin, Jeffrey Matthews, Benjamin Hilliger, Luke Kuliu, Dylan Sundberg, Chandler Nault, Dan Thornton, Jordan Tousignant, Christian Tousignant, Isaac Olson, Jordan Burton, Nick Bertucci, David Simula, Joseph Nault, Jake Quayle, Andrew Bennett, Alec VanHorn, Cody Johnson, Devin Kent, Austin Hanninen, Gage Laitinen, Brandon Steve, Arnold Coffie, Hunter Schultz, and Fred Sidh.
Also to be commended are head coach Jeff Olson, assistant coaches Scott Syrjala, Brad Waters, and Tony Marietti, the dedicated parents and all who made the long days of training and travel possible, Ishpeming High School, and the city of Ishpeming on winning the championship for a second consecutive year. Their hard work and determination stand as examples for all citizens of Northern Michigan.”