Mark B. Messmer · TranslatePolitics.com

House of Representatives

Recognizing 100th Anniversary of Long Island Association

2026-07-20

“I want to say congratulations to a tennis team from my district. They won a state championship. Their two players are good. Their coach is good too. He helped them win. This win is a proud moment for the people in my district.”

Official Congressional Record

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Jasper Wildcats girls' tennis doubles team of Adaysha Smiley and Stella Knies for winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association girls' tennis doubles State championship. In a hard-fought straight-set victory, the doubles team captured the State title, capping off an outstanding season. Hats off to these two athletes for their prowess and sportsmanship throughout the year, which makes this big win all the more sweet for the Wildcats and the fans. I also want to give a shout-out to Head Coach Scott Yarbrough, whose outstanding leadership has, once again, guided the Wildcats to another State championship. All of Dubois County is proud of this tennis team and these special young ladies for their impressive victory. I congratulate, once again, the Jasper Wildcats girls' tennis team.

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“I want to say congratulations to a softball team from my district. They won a state championship. It is their fourth win in five years. Their coach is good. He helped them be one of the best teams in Indiana. This win is a proud moment for the people in my district.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tecumseh Braves softball team on bringing home the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2-A softball State championship. This marks the fourth State championship title the Braves have captured in the last 5 years and the seventh in the program's history. What an extraordinary achievement, reflecting incredible amounts of hard work, discipline, and a great commitment to their teammates and their sport. Year after year, the Tecumseh Braves have set the standard for excellence, as their many big wins show. Thanks to Head Coach Gordon Wood, whose outstanding leadership has helped establish Tecumseh as one of Indiana's premier softball programs. Way to make all of us in Warrick County proud. I congratulate them all.

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“I want to say congratulations to a softball team from my district. They won a state championship. It is the school's first time winning. They won many games and lost only one. Their coach is good. He helped them work hard and have discipline. This win is a proud moment for my district.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Barr-Reeve Vikings softball team on winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 1-A State softball championship, their first State softball championship in school history. With a dominant 6-0 victory in their final game, the Vikings had an outstanding season with 32 wins and only one loss, cementing their names in the Hoosier athletic history books. This championship is the result of years of hard work and great perseverance. A great job was done by Head Coach Josh Huff, whose leadership inspired the discipline these athletes put forth to bring home this victory. Congratulations to the Barr-Reeve Vikings for making all of us proud in Daviess County and throughout the Eighth District, and may they enjoy their well-deserved summer vacation.

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“I want to say congratulations to a baseball team from my district. They won a state championship. It is the school's second time winning. The first time was in 1991. Their coach is good. He helped them win many games in a row. This win is a proud moment for my city and my district.”

“I want to honor a veteran from Indiana. His name is Ken Eppler. He served our country in the army. Now he is a painter. He let me hang one of his paintings in Congress. The painting is for America's 250th anniversary. The painting shows three colonial children with a flag. I think the painting is a reminder that we should pass freedom down to the next generation. I think Ken's artwork is very good. I want people who visit Washington to see it. I want people to love our country. I am proud that Ken Eppler is from Indiana. I think his artwork reflects the best of patriotism.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding Hoosier whose dedication to our country did not end when he took off the uniform. This week, I will have the honor of welcoming Evansville Army veteran Ken Eppler and his lovely wife, Cathy, to my congressional office here at the United States Capitol. Following his service to our Nation, Ken found great happiness in his incredible talent as a painter. He graciously lent me one of his beautiful paintings, The Enduring Spirit to display here in the Halls of Congress in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Ken served our Nation with honor in the United States Army, earning both Airborne and Air Assault qualifications before serving with the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf war. He later continued his service in the Indiana National Guard and has made us all proud as a defender of our country and a wonderful member of our community. His commitment to our Nation is reflected not only in his military service, but also in the remarkable artwork he continues to create. The Enduring Spirit depicts three colonial children standing together playing the fife and drum while proudly holding an American 250 flag. To me, this patriotic painting is a powerful reminder that the ideals of freedom and love of country are passed from one generation down to the next. It is a privilege to display his incredible artwork for my colleagues and all who visit Washington, especially those Hoosiers coming to our Nation's Capital. Ken has said that he hopes his artwork inspires students to love our country and encourages young people to learn more about our Nation's great history. I cannot think of a better message to share with the myriads of people who travel to Washington and visit our country's Capital. Indiana's Eighth District is proud to call Ken Eppler one of our own, and I am honored to display his beautiful artwork which I think reflects the very best of Hoosier and American patriotism.

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