[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S1770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S1770]]
             UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE ``FIGHTING BLUE HENS''

  Mr. ROTH. Madam President, the NCAA tournament is called by some the 
`Big Dance' because only 64 teams are invited each year. This year, I 
am proud to say one of those teams is the Fighting Blue Hens from the 
University of Delaware--the 1998 champions of the America East 
Conference. The Blue Hens put together a remarkable 20 win season 
culminating last Saturday in a win over Boston University to clinch a 
spot in the tournament.
  Coach Mike Brey and his team should be proud of their excellent 
season.
  Now some will say that the odds are long because the Blue Hens are 
seeded 15th and their opponent is seeded 2nd. But I remind you, more 
than 200 years ago, another group of men from Delaware faced some steep 
odds themselves. Back then, the number one seed was the Red Coats.
  Facing off against the Red Coats was a company of men from Delaware 
recruited by Captain Jonathan Caldwell. They quickly became known as 
the Blue Hens because their fighting ability was said to rival that of 
a famous fighting blue hen. They fought well and hard in battles from 
Long Island and White Plains to Trenton and Princeton.
  Two hundred years ago somebody picked a fight with the Blue Hens and 
they were sent home packing. Don't be surprised if it happens again.

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