[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  COMMENDING OU SOONERS BASEBALL TEAM ON COLLEGE WORLD SERIES VICTORY

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, two weeks ago the Oklahoma Sooners did 
what no one believed they could do by winning the NCAA College World 
Series. This was accomplished with the same determination that enabled 
them to come from behind 25 times during the regular season, and 
culminating with the national title. In so doing, they became the first 
Big Eight team to win the College World Series since Oklahoma State in 
1959. In fact, they did so convincingly. They won every game. They 
trailed in only one of 72 innings of the tournament. They led the 
series in hitting with .327; in pitching with 2.37 ERA and in defense 
with only five errors.
  And in the final game of this relentless charge through the top teams 
in college baseball, the Sooners chocked up a record number of runs to 
beat Georgia Tech 13-5 and capture OU's first baseball championship in 
more than 40 years.
  This is an exceptional group of athletes--an exceptional team. It is 
a great honor for the University and the State to be represented by 
these students, who truly are team players. You can't accomplish 
something of this magnitude without working as a team.
  Chip Glass, who is a senior center fielder and was named the 
tournament's Most Outstanding Player, made the statement that ``This 
was a team in the truest sense of the word. We all pulled together and 
did what it took to win.'' I admire this sort of spirit.
  I understand the championship shirts the team wore following the 
victory were printed with the phrase ``25 guys pulling on the same 
rope.'' That is essential for any victory--teamwork; pulling together. 
Imagine if we could apply the same principle in the United States 
Senate, 100 Senators pulling together.
  I couldn't be happier for these athletes and their coach, Larry 
Cochell, who has worked so hard this season, as well as the seniors, 
and the entire team. Five players were named to the all-tournament team 
and I would like to recognize them as well for their efforts: first 
baseman Ryan Minor, second baseman Rick Gutierrez, right fielder Darvin 
Traylor, pitcher Mark Redman and, again, center fielder Chip Glass.
  It is not often in life when you can call yourself the very best 
there is. These young men have accomplished that, and I hope this taste 
of success creates in them a passion for excellence they will carry 
with them throughout their lives. Mr. Chairman, my congratulations to 
the team members, Coach Cochell, the OU athletic program, and the 
University of Oklahoma on this accomplishment.

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