[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 106 (Thursday, July 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8106-S8107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PROGRESS FOR WOMEN'S ATHLETICS IN WEST VIRGINIA

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I want to reflect on the 
positive results of our country's growing commitment to equal 
opportunities for women in college sports and to the elimination of 
discrimination in our Nation's educational programs. During this time 
of commemorating the 25th anniversary of title IX, Americans recognize 
the success of our Nation's athletes as they continue to grow both on 
the field and in the classroom.
  I take this opportunity to commend the achievement of women in 
college and university sports and to support their advancement in the 
athletic world. Expanded opportunities for women as a result of title 
IX have enabled more young women from all arenas to challenge 
themselves and each other, develop the competitive spirit, and truly 
enrich their academic lives.
  In West Virginia, title IX's impact on college and university sports 
is made clear by the success of their women's athletic programs. It 
pleases me to see the competitive spirit grow within West Virginia and 
to include the aspirations of our daughters as well as our sons. I am 
proud to commend our individual athletes who deserve praise for their 
constant and persistent efforts.
  Over the past years, West Virginia's fine institutions that include, 
to cite just one example, Bluefield State College, in Bluefield, WV, 
have given scholarship money that significantly increased participation 
in women's athletics. Alderson-Broaddus College in Phillipi, WV, in 
this past year alone has had an award-winning WVIAC women's softball 
team, with players like Laura Granger, who balances a competitive 
sports schedule, her honors GPA, and her enrollment in a difficult 
sports medicine program.
  At the University of Charleston [UC], the Golden Eagles Volleyball 
Team complied an impressive 29-4 record in 1996 and continues to strive 
toward success. UC's basketball team is also on the high rise with 
athletes like Jodie Prenger, who plays Division II basketball and 
spends the rest of her time devoted to academics.
  With a devotion to the team and to their own growth as individuals, 
these women athletes will provide role models for our future daughters. 
I can see how perseverence learned in athletics contributes to the 
academic lives of these high-achieving students.
  I am pleased to hear of the progress we as a State have made by 
supporting greater opportunities for women in sports, and I want to 
continue to honor

[[Page S8107]]

such dedication on the parts of our athletes and school administrators 
who prize and promote such equality. As the struggle to root out 
discrimination from all realms of life continues, I am very proud to 
say West Virginia is a strong part of the extraordinary progress that 
America is celebrating during title IX's anniversary year.

                          ____________________