[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 927 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 927

Commending the Florida Atlantic University Owls for their historic win 
               in the 2007 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 16, 2008

 Mr. Wexler (for himself, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Klein of Florida, 
  Mr. Hastings of Florida, and Mr. Mahoney of Florida) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education 
                               and Labor

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Commending the Florida Atlantic University Owls for their historic win 
               in the 2007 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

Whereas, on December 21, 2007, the Florida Atlantic University Owls defeated the 
        University of Memphis Tigers 44 to 27 in the 2007 R+L Carriers New 
        Orleans Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana;
Whereas the Owls became the youngest football program in NCAA history to earn a 
        bid in and win a bowl game;
Whereas Florida Atlantic's football program has reached this level of success 
        after only 7 years of existence and only 3 years as a member of the 
        Football Bowl Subdivision;
Whereas the Owls' Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger built the Florida Atlantic 
        football program from scratch when he was hired as Director of Football 
        Operations in 1998, and has been the program's only head coach since its 
        inaugural game in 2001;
Whereas the Owls defeated the Troy University Trojans on December 1, 2007, to 
        earn the Sun Belt Conference Championship in only their third season 
        competing in the conference;
Whereas the Owls finished the 2007 season with a record of 8 and 5, including 
        wins over 6 of their 7 opponents in the Sun Belt Conference;
Whereas the Owls defeated their first Big Ten opponent in the history of the 
        program, the University of Minnesota, on September 15, 2007;
Whereas Quarterback Rusty Smith was named Most Valuable Player of the 2007 R+L 
        Carriers New Orleans Bowl and Player of the Year in the Sun Belt 
        Conference;
Whereas Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger was named Coach of the Year in the Sun 
        Belt Conference;
Whereas Quarterback Rusty Smith, Tight End Jason Harmon, Wide Receiver Cortez 
        Gent, Linebacker Frantz Joseph, Linebacker Cergile Sincere, and 
        Defensive Back Tavious Polo were named First Team All-Conference by the 
        Sun Belt Conference;
Whereas each player, coach, trainer, manager, and staff member of the Florida 
        Atlantic University Owls dedicated this season and their efforts to 
        winning the Sun Belt Conference and earning a bid in the R+L Carriers 
        New Orleans Bowl;
Whereas the Owls' players, coaches, and everyone associated with the football 
        program represent the University and the State of Florida with exemplary 
        sportsmanship and competitiveness; and
Whereas residents of South Florida and Owl fans statewide are to be commended 
        for their support, perseverance, and pride in the team: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
            (1) commends the Florida Atlantic University Owls for their 
        historic win in the 2007 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl;
            (2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, 
        students, and support staff who were instrumental in the Owls' 
        victory and their continued success as a football program; and
            (3) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to 
        transmit a copy of this resolution to Florida Atlantic 
        University President Frank T. Brogan and Head Coach Howard 
        Schnellenberger for appropriate display.
                                 <all>