[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HAROLD E. FORD, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 1998

  Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the University 
of Memphis Tigers ladies basketball team. The Lady Tigers, under the 
leadership of Joye Lee-McNelis, captured their Conference USA regular 
season title by putting together a 14-2 conference record. Last week, 
the Lady Tigers traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for the Conference USA 
post-season tournament and won three consecutive games to capture that 
title as well. The Tigers put on quite a show, winning the final game 
in dramatic fashion over the host team in a game that was televised 
nationally by ESPN. The Men Tigers also had a great deal of success 
this year as they concluded the conference season 12-4 and also 
captured their division title. The women will be making their fourth 
consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. The men's title was their third 
regular season championship in the last four years.
  After starting the season with a 4-4 mark, the Lady Tigers put 
together a long winning streak to become one of the nation's toughest 
teams the exciting play of LaTonya Johnson and Tamika Whitmore, 
combined with the terrific coaching of Lee-McNelis, have been the 
formula for success for these Tigers. As the popularity of women's 
basketball begins to soar, the commitment to success that this team has 
shown has helped to win over Memphis basketball fans. This was evident 
during the championship game as hundreds of fans roared in support of 
the Tigers after making the journey from Memphis to Louisville.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
accomplishments of the University of Memphis Tigers. We thank them for 
bringing championships to the city of Memphis and wish them the best of 
luck in postseason competition.

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