RECOGNIZING NORDONIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM

On 2026-06-04, Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH-13) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING NORDONIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM" in the House.

RECOGNIZING NORDONIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)] [House] [Page H3840] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING NORDONIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM (Mrs. SYKES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nordonia High School girls' flag football team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. The Nordonia High School girls' flag football team is Ohio's first girls' flag football State champions. Girls' flag football only became a sanctioned sport in Ohio last July, but even before that, these young women were working hard to bring the State championship home. Nordonia was one of six high schools that attended the Cleveland Browns inaugural flag football jubilee event back in 2021 and have since been fighting for this sport to become sanctioned and recognized in Ohio. I congratulate Head Coach Steve Holtz, quarterback Hayden Paul, and all of the players on their well-earned victory in bringing home the inaugural championship trophy. Their passion is laying the groundwork for generations of young women and girls in sports, and we are so proud of them. I often call our district the birthplace of champions because of basketball greats like LeBron James and Steph Curry, and now this Nordonia girls' flag football team certainly proves that this legacy continues, no matter the sport or your gender. Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes and commend them on being named champions of the week. ____________________