[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 42 (Monday, April 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             1993-94 GATOR BASKETBALL--A SEASON TO REMEMBER

                                 ______


                         HON. KAREN L. THURMAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 18, 1994

  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 1993-94 
University of Florida men's basketball team. This magnificent group of 
players demonstrated a unique combination of natural talent, hard work, 
and dedication, which vaulted them to the first appearance in the NCAA 
Final Four in school history.
  Despite receiving little credit for their success for most of the 
season, the players earned the SEC Eastern Division cochampionship 
before fulfilling their dreams of reaching the Final Four. The team's 
determination and never-say-die attitude are brilliantly summarized in 
the team motto, ``Find a Way.'' Finishing the season with an 
outstanding record of 29-8, the Gators showed the Nation that by 
playing as a team and believing in one another, people can realize 
their goals. This team found a way.
  All of Florida can be proud of the team Coach Lon Kruger has built. 
We should all bring the same care and effort to our jobs and lives as 
he shows every day for his team and our community. Coach Kruger should 
be singled out for recognition for his personal dedication not only to 
achieving a winning basketball program, but also to providing young 
athletes with a real opportunity to grow and attain their life dreams, 
both on and off the court.
  Coach Kruger demands the same level of dedication in the classroom as 
on the basketball court. Over the last 2 years, the team has ranked 
second in the SEC in All-SEC honor roll selections. Of the players Lon 
Kruger has coached at Florida since his arrival in 1990, 75 percent 
will have earned degrees by next spring. Every one of Coach Kruger's 
recruits who has completed his basketball eligibility will graduate on 
schedule.
  The 1993-94 Gator basketball team was led by seniors Craig Brown and 
Martti Kuisma. Rounding out the team were Jason Anderson, Clayton 
Bates, Dan Cross, Andrew DeClercq, Svein Dyrkolbotn, John Griffiths, 
Dametri Hill, Tony Mickens, Joel Reinhart, Brian Thompson, Dan 
Williams, and Greg Williams. Coach Kruger was assisted by Robert 
McCullum, Ron Stewart, and R.C. Bufurd.
  I congratulate this fine group for their accomplishments over the 
past year. Go Gators.

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