110 HRES 927 IH: Commending the Florida Atlantic University U.S. House of Representatives 2008-01-16 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 927 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

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.