[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 40 (Wednesday, April 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3012-S3013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
University of Michigan Wolverines on the completion of a perfect 1997 
football season. In September, the Wolverines began one of the toughest 
schedules in the Big Ten. The team was prepared to play some of the 
strongest teams in NCAA football. From their first victory against 
Colorado (27-3) to their last game of the season against Ohio State 
(20-14), Michigan dominated the field, surrendering few touchdowns with 
their top-rated defense. By November, the Wolverines had finished their 
regular season undefeated, with a Big Ten Championship, a Rose Bowl 
berth and their first chance at a National Championship in fifty years.
  In January, the Michigan Wolverines faced the Washington State 
Cougars in the 1998 Rose Bowl. Although the University of Michigan has 
more Rose Bowl appearances than any other Big Ten school, the 
Wolverines were appearing in Pasadena for the first time in five years. 
Senior quarterback Brien Griese led the team with 18 for 30 passing for 
251 yards and three touchdowns. The Wolverines celebrated a 21-16 
victory over Washington State, giving

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them their ninth straight win against opponents ranked in the 
Associated Press Top 10 and finishing with a perfect 12-0 season.
  The Rose Bowl victory clinched the Wolverines the Associated Press 
National Championship trophy and secured the co-national championship. 
The season became even sweeter for the Wolverines when University of 
Michigan junior Charles Woodson won the 1997 Heisman Trophy, football's 
most prestigious individual honor, and head coach Lloyd Carr was 
recognized as Coach of the Year. 1997 was undoubtedly an outstanding 
year for Michigan football, and possibly the best in school history. On 
April 9, President Bill Clinton will honor the University of Michigan 
Wolverines at the White House for their extraordinary athletic 
accomplishments and remarkable teamwork. I extend my heartiest 
congratulations to the University of Michigan football team on a 
perfect 1997 season--Let's Go Blue!

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