[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 83 (Monday, June 16, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5688-S5689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING THE UTAH JAZZ

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Utah Jazz, 
who just completed their most successful season in franchise history. 
After clinching the Western Conference Championship with a last-second, 
heart-stopping shot at the buzzer, they competed for the NBA title 
against the talented Chicago Bulls with grit and sheer determination. 
Throughout this season, our Utah Jazz have displayed tremendous skill, 
determination, strength, and character to forge ahead and accomplish 
what very few thought they could do. This team captured the hearts of 
basketball fans from coast to coast with their hard work, down-to-earth 
personalities, and belief in themselves.
  The Utah Jazz story has been filled with many years of strength 
building and even some challenges. In 1979, a struggling NBA basketball 
franchise pulled up its stakes and moved from New Orleans to what is 
the smallest market in the National Basketball Association, Salt Lake 
City, UT. The Jazz have built their program slowly but surely thanks to 
the big shoulders of some very good people.
  Jazz owner Larry H. Miller had the determination and the vision to 
know what it could mean for Utah to have its own NBA basketball team. 
Larry is more than an owner. His players are his family. His love and 
enthusiasm for his Utah Jazz team is infectious. Utah has been greatly 
rewarded through Larry's leadership and commitment.
  Former coach and current team president, Frank Laydenn has been the 
Utah Jazz' all-time best cheerleader. Frank has always believed in his 
team. He has won over many fans through his enthusiasm, humor, and love 
for the game.
  Coach Jerry Sloan is an example of leadership and fortitude. His 
motto to ``never give up,'' is evident in the guts and determination 
his players show on the basketball court. Jerry not only teaches his 
players good basketball skills, he also builds character. He has 
instilled his own hardwork ethic into every aspect of the Utah Jazz.
  John Stockton, the all-time NBA assist and steals leader, has 
displayed time and time again courage under pressure, and an absolute 
belief that ``we could win.'' The success he has enjoyed has not 
detracted from his thoughtful, unassuming manner. He is indeed a worthy 
role model for many young people today.
  And who else has displayed more utter conviction than league MVP, 
Karl Malone. Karl has provided the Utah Jazz with leadership and valor. 
Anyone who has followed the Utah Jazz knows how valuable Karl is to the 
team's overall scoring and rebounding capabilities. Aside from his on-
court presence, Karl has been an outstanding ambassador for the NBA. 
His reputation of honesty and hard work has made him one of the 
greatest role models in professional sports.
  Not only am I proud of the Utah Jazz for winning the Western 
Conference Championship, I am even more proud of the high caliber of 
individuals that make up the Utah Jazz. Our team is willing to work 
hard, to believe in themselves, to reflect the values of the community 
in which they play, and to never give up. I am proud of the way they 
represent our State and its fans.
  I am sure that all Utahns would be happy to join with me in saying a 
big thank you to all of the players on the Jazz, as well as the coaches 
and management staff for all you have done for Utah--both on and off 
the court. The Utah Jazz united the people of our great State in a way 
that has not been equaled since Brigham Young led the covered wagons 
into the Salt Lake Valley. Citizens from all over our State, and from 
all walks of life, have united together behind one single entity--the 
Utah Jazz. This is an accomplishment all its own. The enthusiasm Utahns 
felt for their team was electric and awe-inspiring. Everyone who has 
ever felt like an underdog has embraced this team and gloried in its 
success.
  Mr. President, although we didn't bring home the ultimate trophy, our 
Utah Jazz gave us a season to remember. This team has done us all 
proud, and we are proud of them. So, here's

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thanks and best wishes to Karl, and John, Jeff, Greg, Bryon, Shandon, 
Howard, Greg, Antoine, Adams, Chris, Stephen, and Coach Sloan and his 
staff. And, as a word of warning to all the teams in the NBA--David 
slew plenty of Goliaths this year; watch out, we'll be back next year 
with a hand full of stones.
  Go, Jazz!

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