[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 36 (Wednesday, March 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING NORTHWEST NAZARENE COLLEGE'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

 Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I rise with great pride today 
to pay tribute to an outstanding group of young women who have reached 
the pinnacle of their sport. Northwest Nazarene College's women's 
basketball team last night won its first-ever national title. The Lady 
Crusaders beat Black Hills State 64-46 to claim the National 
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division 2 tournament 
championship. It was the school's first national championship in any 
sport.
  NNC, located in Nampa, ID, is one of America's finest colleges. It 
consistently ranks among the top schools in academic national rankings. 
Now it proudly sits at the top in athletic rankings as well.
  Coach Roger Schmidt's Lady Crusaders entered the 1996-97 season 
ranked 11th in the country. The team finished the season with the most 
wins in school history at 27-7, and also won the Cascade Collegiate 
Conference title.
  In the national championship game, NNC broke open a tight contest and 
pulled away to claim the trophy. It was just 25-24 at halftime, but a 
pressing and aggressive Crusader defense did the trick and helped 
clinch the game.
  Staci Wilson paced the NNC attack, with 22 points. She also was the 
leading rebounder with 13. Erica Walton scored 12 points, and was named 
the tournament's most valuable player. Kari Smith added 11 points for 
the Lady Crusaders.
  Mr. President, I'm pleased to say that seven of the 12 players on the 
Northwest Nazarene College roster are Idahoans. Here is the roster of 
this outstanding team: Christy Farrar of Hillsboro, OR; Jessica 
Knowlton of Craigmont, ID; Jennifer Myers of Parma, ID; Kimberly Riggs 
of Boise, ID; Brooke Warren of Pomeroy, Washington; Kari Smith of 
Meridian, ID; Ellen Duncan of McCall, ID; Chelsey Hall of Grangeville, 
ID; Staci Wilson of Molalla, OR; Staci Kirk of Boise, ID; Sunshine 
Cecrle of Hillsboro, OR; and Erica Walton of Ontario, OR.
  I also congratulate the head coach, Roger Schmidt, and his assistant 
coaches, Becky Nichols and Duane Slemmer. And my congratulations also 
go to NNC President Dr. Richard Hagood and Athletic Director Eric 
Forseth.
  I am sure all Idahoans join me in proudly recognizing the 
accomplishments of these young women and the support of the students, 
faculty, staff, alumni, and community at Northwest Nazarene College.

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