[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 37 (Monday, April 11, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      THE TERRAPINS' GREAT SEASON

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
men's basketball team from the University of Maryland on their 
outstanding 1993-94 season.
  These talented, young collegians worked hard all year long to 
accomplish what only a few thought possible. A gutsy and tenacious 
team, they inspired many fans en route to winning 18 games and a spot 
in the NCAA basketball tournament's Sweet 16.
  Maryland started a group of freshman and sophomores, including the 
winner of the National Freshman of the Year Award, center Joe Smith. 
Prognosticators labeled the Terrapins a seventh or eighth place team in 
the nine-team Atlantic Coast Conference, but the players knew better 
and, by season's end, had raced to the fourth best record in the ACC. 
They consistently challenged the premiere teams in the country and were 
frequently ranked in the top 25. Once in the NCAA tournament, the team 
raised its level of play another notch and demonstrated real talent and 
team spirit in an opening round win against St. Louis and again in a 
convincing upset over Massachusetts. Their final game was against an 
experienced Michigan team. In this matchup, the Terps trailed most of 
the night, and seemed on the verge of defeat, midway through the second 
half, they began one of their characteristic rallies. The team showed 
resilience and determination during this impressive comeback and fell 
just short of advancing to the next round.
  The Maryland basketball program is one with a proud and winning 
tradition, and the success of this year's team is reminiscent of the 
great Maryland teams that have competed at Cole Field House in the 
past. Just mention the names of a few former Maryland Terrapin stars, 
such greats as Tom McMillen, John Lucas, and Len Elmore come to mind, 
and fans quickly conjure up images of many classic college basketball 
games.
  At the same time, this season also signified the end of a frustrating 
and painful period for Maryland. The proud basketball program was sent 
reeling with the death of Len Bias in 1986 and further torn apart after 
NCAA sanctions were imposed for violations under their former coach. 
Faced with penalties that kept the team off live television for a year 
and left them ineligible for the NCAA tournament for 2 years, the 
Maryland basketball program was in chaos. The guidance of an effective 
leader was needed to restore the program to its past greatness. The 
university looked to former player Gary Williams to fill this role.
  Since returning to his alma mater in 1989, Coach Williams has 
responded well to this challenge and deserves much praise for his 
efforts. He has overcome recruiting difficulties and low morale to 
bring Maryland basketball back to its winning ways. The coach and his 
team also face a bright future after reaching the Sweet 16 this year 
with no seniors and only one junior among the top nine players. But 
today, on behalf of all Maryland fans, I congratulate the Maryland 
Terrapins for this year's significant accomplishments.

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