[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 120 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ARIZONA RATTLERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 1997

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to congratulate the 
Arizona Rattlers who for the second time in 4 years are the Arena 
Football champions.
  The Rattlers wrapped up the Arena Bowl XI last month with an 
unforgettable 55-33 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers.
  The fans who have watched the Rattlers in the Snake Pit are 
especially proud because they are the only professional sports team in 
the Valley of the Sun with a league championship. And now they have 
two. All this despite a season-ending fractured leg suffered by 
quarterback Sherdrick Bonner during the semifinal against Tampa Bay 
that left the team going into the championship game as the underdog.
  But those who doubted the Rattlers were proved wrong when, with the 
leadership of Coach Danny White and with touchdowns by Hunkie Cooper 
and rookie Donnie Davis, the Rattlers kept Iowa at bay and came through 
with its second championship crown.
  I want to not only congratulate the team, but the coach, staff, and 
all the fans who have made this a memorable season.
  As team president, Bryan Colangelo said the excitement levels that 
were displayed in the championship game were unprecedented in the 
league and unprecedented in local pro sports.
  I think the Arizona Rattlers for their win, because as Colangelo also 
said, ``It's such a great experience to win a championship.'' And the 
Rattlers have provided a great experience for fans in Arizona and the 
Valley of the Sun.
  I also wish to draw attention to this win because, as true football 
fans will attest, this is a wonderful sport and victory. Some might say 
arena football is not the real thing, but I would have to disagree. 
This sport has come a long way in 11 years and I'm proud to say is 
gaining more attention from sports fans.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating the Arizona Rattlers and extending the warmest of wishes 
for continued success.

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