[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 37 (Friday, March 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SALUTE TO THE 1997-1998 NIT CHAMPIONS, THE MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I just rise for a few moments this 
afternoon to pay tribute to the University of Minnesota basketball 
team--the Golden Gophers of Minnesota.
  Just a little over a year ago I stood here on the Senate floor 
saluting the Minnesota Gophers basketball team for their accomplishment 
of winning the Big Ten championship. That was the team that eventually 
went on to the NCAA Final Four.
  Mr. President, I want to take time to salute an equally deserving 
team--and that is the 1998 NIT champions, the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 
who defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions last night by a score of 79-
72.
  Now, this team overcame the loss of many key players from last year's 
Final Four squad, but the leadership from seniors Sam Jacobson and Eric 
Harris, and the excellent play from Kevin Clark and Quincy Lewis helped 
the Gophers improve from their slow start this season to finish the 
year by winning eight of their last nine games.
  Every member on the team contributed to the success of this Gopher 
team, leading to the Gophers' sixth consecutive 20-win season.
  Mr. President, Coach Clem Haskins received many coach-of-the-year 
awards last year. But I must say, the job he did this year is equally 
impressive and truly deserves recognition today.
  So, again, Mr. President, I rise to salute the 1997-1998 NIT 
champions, the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota.
  Thank you very much. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no objection, the time utilized by 
the Senator from Minnesota will be taken from each side equally, and 
the clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DURBIN. I seek recognition as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is recognized.
  Mr. DURBIN. Thank you, Mr. President.

                          ____________________