[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

                                 ______


                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 17, 1995
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the new 
champions of the American Football Conference, the San Diego Chargers. 
It is no secret that America's finest city now has America's finest 
football team and we are eagerly anticipating a Chargers' victory over 
the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.
  To quote from the Associated Press, ``What happens when the cork pops 
on 35 years of football frustration? Come to San Diego to find out. The 
San Diego Chargers are in the Super Bowl, and that has never happened 
before.'' On Sunday, when the triumphant Chargers returned from 
Pittsburgh, there were 70,000 screaming fans on hand to welcome them 
home.
  For far too long, people have written off the Chargers. The Steelers 
made that mistake on Sunday. Before the AFC Championship, Pittsburgh 
was busy rehearsing for a Super Bowl video and their fans were booking 
trips to Florida. After the Chargers beat the Steelers 17-13, they 
aren't writing off the Chargers anymore in Pittsburgh.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to salute Chargers president Alex Spanos, who has 
defied the skeptics and produced a world-class team through 
perseverance, hard work, a little luck and a little stealth.
  I want to salute Chargers general manager Bobby Beathard, who has 
brought to San Diego his proven record of creating winners with his 
keen eye for talent, and a true commitment to teamwork.
  To coach Bobby Ross and his team of coaches who are proven 
motivators. Their leadership has given this team the focus to never 
give up and the skills to overcome the obstacles in their way, against 
even the longest odds.
  And finally to the players of the San Diego team, a team who national 
``experts'' picked to finish last. They have proven that commitment, 
focus, teamwork and heart can win and that America's finest city has 
America's finest team, the San Diego Chargers.


                          ____________________