III 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 26 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 11, 2007 Mrs. Dole (for herself and Mr. Burr) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Commending the Appalachian State University football team for winning the 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I–AA Football Championship.

Whereas, on December 15, 2006, the Appalachian State University football team (referred to in this preamble as the Mountaineers) defeated the University of Massachusetts football team by a score of 28–17, to win the 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I–AA Football Championship; Whereas the Mountaineers were successful due to the leadership of Coach Jerry Moore, and in great part to the spectacular play of Most Valuable Player Kevin Richardson, who scored all 4 touchdowns, and to Corey Lynch, whose fourth quarter interception helped seal the victory; Whereas the championship victory was the pinnacle of a remarkable season for the Mountaineers, who ended the season with a 14–1 record; Whereas the Mountaineers' offense was led by Southern Conference Freshman of the Year Armanti Edwards, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and passed for over 2,000 yards, and accounted for 30 touchdowns in his first season; Whereas the success of the Mountaineers' offense is attributed to Kevin Richardson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards, William Mayfield, who had over 1,000 yards receiving, and the impenetrable offensive line, who made it possible for those amazing statistics to occur; Whereas the Mountaineers' intimidating defense was led by Marques Murell, Jeremy Wiggins, Monte Smith, and Corey Lynch; Whereas the Mountaineers were undefeated in conference games and are the champions of the Southern Conference for the second year in a row; Whereas Appalachian State University affirmed its position as a dominant football program by securing its second consecutive national championship; Whereas, in 2005, Appalachian State University became the first team from North Carolina to win an NCAA football championship with a 21–16 victory over Northern Iowa; Whereas the members of the 2006 Appalachian State University football team are excellent representatives of a fine university that is a leader in higher education, producing many fine student-athletes and other leaders; Whereas the Mountaineers showed tremendous dedication to each other, appreciation to their fans, sportsmanship to their opponents, and respect for the game of football throughout the 2006 season; and Whereas residents of the Old North State and Appalachian State University fans everywhere are to be commended for their long-standing support, perseverance, and pride in the team: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)commends the champion Appalachian State University football team for their historic win in the 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I–AA Football Championship; (2)recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, alumni, and support staff who were instrumental in helping Appalachian State University win the championship; and (3)directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of this resolution to Appalachian State University Chancellor Kenneth Peacock and head coach Jerry Moore for appropriate display.