[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 8 (Friday, January 13, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO UCONN BASKETBALL

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. I thank the Chair.
  Mr. President, in my home State of Connecticut we face many 
challenges this winter: An economy that is beginning to recover, hopes 
are rising, and still a lot of work to do. But there is one element of 
life in the State that really has brought us all closer together, and 
that is the University of Connecticut Huskies basketball teams.
  Over the last few years, the success of the UConn men's and women's 
basketball teams have inspired a feverish following that has actually 
earned its own name, which is ``Huskymania.'' Each season, these teams 
bring the State a little closer and make those cold Connecticut winters 
all the more bearable.
  I know the occupant of the chair has some relatives from Connecticut, 
and he can testify at least to the coldness of the winters.
  These days, we all feel with great pride that our Connecticut Huskies 
are top dogs. The latest basketball polls nationally show that both the 
men's and women's teams are ranked second in the country, which is the 
highest combined ranking of any school in the Nation. I think even the 
most passionate partisan of some other college team would recognize 
what a tremendous accomplishment this is for a school from a State the 
size of Connecticut.
  I think it is really a remarkable tribute to the young men and women 
who have worked so hard in pursuit of excellence and a dream--the 
school's first national championship in basketball--and to the great 
coaches who lead them, Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma.
  These Huskies, if I may continue this metaphor, clearly have a bite 
to match their bark. The 11-0 men's team is the only team among the 
Nation's 302 Division I schools that has yet to be beaten, and we are 
very proud of that.
  It is also worth noting that the Huskies are achieving this 
extraordinary start this year even after losing their All-American big 
man, Donyell Marshall, to the NBA. If I can extend my pride regionally, 
it would be important to note that the UConn men this week are second 
to the University of Massachusetts, which marks the first time that two 
teams from New England have ever been ranked 1 and 2.
  The UConn women's team, which is also 11-0, has been equally 
impressive. These Huskies have been ranked second for much of the 
season, actually beating their opponents by an average of more than 40 
points per game. This is a very dominant team. They are led by All-
American center Rebecca Lobo, who is an exceptional student athlete--
remarkable athlete--but an extraordinary student as well.
  So I want to take this opportunity on this particular Friday to 
salute both teams who, in my opinion, are a classic example of what can 
happen when you aim high and work hard. I want to congratulate them on 
their success. I know that they have a tough road ahead of them from 
now on, but what they have achieved up until now should not go 
uncomplimented and they should know how much we appreciate them.
  This Monday, the UConn women will face the No. 1 Tennessee 
Volunteers, and on that same day, the UConn men will get a big test 
when they play the 10th-ranked Georgetown team.
  Regardless of what happens, to say the obvious, the State of 
Connecticut feels that these Huskies are winners. We wish them the best 
of luck as they try to not only fulfill their dreams but ours.
  I thank the Chair, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  

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