[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE RAMS OF LITTLE RHODY

  Mr. CHAFEE. Madam President, yesterday, many in America honored St. 
Patrick--but all week long in Rhode Island--veneration belongs to the 
University of Rhode Island Rams basketball team.
  The so-called experts said it couldn't be done--and, admittedly, the 
odds were against them. After all, the little Rhodys of the world just 
aren't supposed to beat the college basketball powerhouses like the 
Jayhawks of Kansas. But somewhere along the way to Oklahoma City, 
someone forgot to tell that to the Rhode Island Rams.
  Someone forgot to tell Tyson Wheeler--the same Tyson Wheeler who was 
once told he was too short to play college basketball at all--that the 
Davids of Rhode Island couldn't beat the Goliaths of Kansas.
  Someone forgot to tell that to Cuttino Mobley, who always gives his 
best whether it is in Keaney Gym or in the national spotlight, that 
Rhode Island couldn't beat one of the best teams in the nation.
  And clearly, someone forgot to tell Antonio Reynolds-Dean and Luther 
Clay that they weren't supposed to be able to compete with the much 
taller and perhaps stronger inside presence of the Kansas All-
Americans.
  There's a word on Rhode Island's state flag that these Rhode Island 
Rams have come to symbolize--that word is ``Hope''. It's a sentiment we 
hold dear in my home state--and one which was displayed for all the 
world to see. We may be the smallest state, but we know that means: we 
must always try harder. It's a philosophy to always give your very 
best, and to never give up.
  That's the kind of fighting spirit that turns the cause of ``Hope'' 
on our flag into the action of ``courage'' on the court.
  Rhode Island's advance to the ``Sweet Sixteen'' provides a needed 
reminder that at one time or another, we've all been underdogs. Whether 
it be in schoolyard, or in the workplace, or on the basketball court, 
each and every one of us has faced seemingly insurmountable odds at one 
time or another in our lives.
  That's what makes Rhode Island's recent win over the Kansas Jayhawks 
that much sweeter. For the Rhode Island Rams have given us more than a 
wonderful basketball season. They've reminded us that the Davids can 
beat the Goliaths of this world. They have sent a signal to the 
underdog in all of us--that if one perseveres and gives one's best, 
there indeed is always hope.
  So, Madam President, I congratulate the Rhode Island Rams and applaud 
the example they have set. Rams Coach Jim Harrick and all of his 
players have earned a special place in the hearts of Rhode Island and 
the nation.
  I, along with the people of my state, am proud of their 
accomplishments. These fine young men have set an example which we'll 
treasure for years to come.
  They have given us ``Hope.'' Go Rams!

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