The five team members — Torrey Cookman, Katie Cookman and Zane Farnsworth of Marquette, Kurt Bates of Ishpeming, and Henry Anderson of Appleton, Wisconsin — were showcased in front of a group of supporters.

U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, was in Washington, D.C., and couldn’t attend the ceremony. However, Bergman’s Upper Peninsula district liaison, Rich Rossway, filled in to conduct the honors.

All five youthful lugers received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for their athletic achievements in international competition during last winter. Earlier this year, this honor was also placed into the Congressional Record.

“I look at this as taking a young man or woman, and allowing them to go out and experience the world and be the best that they can,” U.S. National Luge coach Keith Whitman said. “To coach them and see that happen, it’s a great feeling to know that you’re coaching some of the best kids in the world. They’re American and they’re from the U.P., and there’s not a lot that can be said other than this is a great experience (for the kids).”

Rich Rossway, the Upper Peninsula district liaison for U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, stands third from right as he recognizes the Upper Peninsula-based young athletes of the U.S. National Luge team that competed with success in Europe last winter. Team members are, from left, Henry Anderson, Katie Cookman, Kurt Bates, Zane Farnsworth and Torrey Cookman. (Journal photo by Travis Nelson)

The Cookman siblings, Bates and Anderson traveled to Germany, Austria and Italy, competing in both Junior and Senior World Cup Natural Track races. Farnsworth competed in the World Cup National Track Senior Division, traveling in the same three European countries along with nearby Hungary and Romania.

Torrey Cookman ranks 16th in the world, the highest of any American ever, according to Whitman. Starting out as just a kid who wanted to luge and do it for fun, Torrey Cookman has turned a hobby into something he now excels in on a global level.

“I’m just really proud that I’ve been able to get to this point, and all of the hard work and dedication has paid off,” Torrey Cookman said. “It’s really an exciting moment.”

Immediately after the ceremony, these athletes were going to hit the Negaunee track for training.

To be able to go around the world and have success, it takes around-the-clock dedication. Now with a citation in the Congressional Record, they’ll have around-the-clock historical viewing in our nation’s capital.

Rich Rossway, the Upper Peninsula district liaison for U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, reads and presents a citation into the Congressional Record for the U.P.-based U.S. National Luge team members who competed and had success in Europe last winter. (Journal photo by Travis Nelson)

Travis Nelson can be reached by email at tnelson@miningjournal.net.