[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 8 (Friday, January 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E92-E93]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO ALBION COLLEGE BRITONS--NCAA DIVISION III NATIONAL FOOTBALL 
                               CHAMPIONS

                                 ______


                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 13, 1995
  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous 
accomplishments of the 1994 NCAA Division III National Football 
Champion Albion College Britons. Albion joins the University of 
Nebraska and Penn State University as the only college football teams 
in the country who completed their entire seasons with an undefeated 
record. As an alumnus of Albion, I am proud of the team's achievement, 
but I take an even greater pride in knowing it was accomplished by 
athletes who dedicate themselves to knowledge and learning first, and 
athletics second.
  Albion's quest for the national championship can be traced to a 
tragic event which occurred before the season started. Two members of 
the football team, Steve Gilbert and Kristov Knoblock, were tragically 
killed in an automobile accident. For the team the loss was crushing 
and for the Albion football family it was devastating. However, in 
their grief, the team found inspiration, never losing the thought of 
Steve and Kris. They gathered as a family and dedicated themselves to 
one goal--winning a national championship. Through a hard-fought season 
and a grueling playoff, the Brits achieved their goal and won their 
first national championship.
  Division III athletes play their sports for one reason, the love of 
the game. They do not receive athletic scholarships, often travel long 
distances by bus, and know a professional athletic career does not 
await them when they are finished. The crowds are small, mostly made up 
of friends and family, and the injuries sustained are those suffered by 
athletes at larger universities. But the game is just as exciting as 
those witnessed by crowds of over 80,000.
  [[Page E93]] The NCAA recognizes Albion College as the 1994 Division 
III National Football Champions. But, by attending classes, 
volunteering in the community and graduating from school, the team was 
and will remain champions in the hearts and minds of the fans and 
alumni of Albion College. Congratulations to Coach Pete Schmidt, the 
players, and administrative staff for a tremendous season and a job 
well done.


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