[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 1998 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MEN's BASKETBALL TEAM

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                          HON. THOMAS W. EWING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of the 1998 University of Illinois men's basketball team. 
Under the stewardship of Coach Lon Kruger, a team that was predicted to 
finish in the middle of the Big Ten in the most optimistic pre-season 
polls, the Illini men finished the season tied for the best record in 
the Big Ten. The sportswriters said that they didn't have any big name 
stars to lead them much further than mediocrity. What the sportswriters 
failed to understand was the determination and heart that this team 
would display throughout the season. Coach Kruger never doubted his 
team and his players never doubted themselves or their ability to 
compete against other Big Ten schools. The Illini had a precious 
commodity that many other schools lacked: Senior Leadership. Led by a 
group of Seniors that I have had the opportunity to watch evolve from 
wide-eyed freshman to steely veterans, the Illini shocked the Big Ten. 
Senior Kevin Turner exemplifies that evolution, as he led the Illini in 
scoring and was named to the All-Big Ten Conference team. However, I 
was disappointed that Lon Kruger did not receive the Big Ten Coach of 
the Year award, because he has done such an outstanding job. Coach 
Kruger, along with Seniors Turner, Jarrod Gee, Matt Heldman, Jerry 
Hester, Brian Johnson and Jelani Boline led the Illini to their best 
Big Ten record in recent memory. They then participated in the NCAA 
Tournament and beat a solid team from South Alabama in the first round. 
Although the Maryland Terrapins put an end to their incredible season 
in the second round, the Illini fought to the bitter end before falling 
in a close contest. Coach Kruger and the entire University of Illinois 
men's basketball team deserve the recognition of the House of 
Representatives for their incredible season. I would like to remind the 
Speaker that Midnight Madness and the start of the 1999 NCAA basketball 
season is only 198 days away.

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