[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 23 (Thursday, February 27, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SALUTE TO THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONS MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today and I want to pay tribute to 
the University of Minnesota basketball team, who last night clinched 
their first Big Ten title in 15 years.
  As you know, the Golden Gophers defeated the Michigan Wolverines 55 
to 54, in a hard-fought, come-from-behind victory. Down by four with 
under a minute to play, the Gophers' confidence, determination, and 
faith led them to victory. This is truly an accomplishment that all 
Minnesotans can be proud of. Under the leadership of coach Clem 
Haskins, the Gophers have shot, rebounded, and passed their way into 
the national spotlight as a team to be taken seriously in the upcoming 
NCAA tournament.
  With the great play of senior guard Bobby Jackson, junior guard Eric 
Harris, junior forward Sam Jacobson, and senior co-captain centers John 
Thomas and Trevor Winter, along with the rest of the Big Ten 
championship team, the Golden Gophers have set a school record 25 
victories in a single season, with three regular season games to play. 
Among the notable accomplishments this team has achieved have been 
their two victories over Michigan, an overtime victory over Indiana, 
and a season sweep over our border rival Iowa Hawkeyes. This team has 
been on a mission all year to gain respect, not only from the Big Ten 
but also from the Nation, after having all its starters returning from 
last year from a team that was not invited to play in the NCAA 
tournament. As you can see, these Golden Gophers took matters into 
their own hands and earned the qualifying bid from the NCAA by winning 
the Big Ten title outright.
  From the land of 10,000 frozen lakes, this Minnesota Golden Gopher 
basketball team has provided warmth and excitement to fans statewide in 
an otherwise very cold and long Minnesota winter. Again, Mr. President, 
I want to congratulate Clem Haskins and his Big Ten championship team 
from the University of Minnesota, and wish them all the best in their 
final regular season games and when they go for it all in the upcoming 
NCAA tournament.
  Mr. FORD. Will the Senator yield for a question?
  Mr. GRAMS. I am happy to yield.
  Mr. FORD. Does the Senator know where Clem Haskins got his training? 
Western Kentucky University. He was also a coach at Western Kentucky 
University. I am tickled to death that he gave such improvement to the 
great State of Minnesota.
  Mr. GRAMS. So are we.
  Thank you, Mr. President.

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