I wish to extend my congratulations to the Calallen High School Wildcats for winning the 2008 Texas State 4A Baseball Championship.

The Wildcats' title marked their third of this decade. Calallen culminated their impressive run with a win over the Waxahachie Indians 11-1, a margin so large that the game ended in the fifth inning due to a ten run mercy rule. Catcher Patrick Frasier was named MVP, after going two for three with four RBI and two runs.

This win, however, represents the efforts of the entire team, which was made up of Matt Garza, Derek Hagy, Aaron Alaniz, Logan Verrett, Jeramie Marek, Bryden McClure, Brett Bell, Jake Huddleston, Kris Guerrero, Dustin Vaughan, Hunter Whetsel, Skyler Hoelscher, Patrick Frasier, Dustin Marrou, Travis Neslony, Will Reynolds, Tyler Denman, Roland Resendez, Jordan John, Dillon Denman, Chad Vanaman, Parker Dorsey, Collin Simpson, Adam Hoelscher, Richard Montemayor, Nick Ginn, Rick Salazar, and Robert Zastryzny, as well as Head Coach Steve Chapman and Assistant Coaches Joe Luis Lopez and Rudy Salinas. 

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Coach Chapman and the team, as well as the parents, teachers, and boosters who worked so hard so propel their team to a historic season. 

I especially want to congratulate the seniors on their graduation and best wishes on their future plans.

Playing for a high school team is always a rewarding experience-one that provides enduring lessons in teamwork and responsibility.  These student athletes will carry the lessons they learned, both on the diamond and in the classroom, for the rest of their lives.