[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3113-S3114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             RUNNING' UTES

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I spent part of last weekend in San Antonio 
at the Alamodome watching some of the most exciting basketball I have 
seen in a long time.
  I was there as one of the ``Runnin' Utes'' biggest fans. In a state 
that has a strong basketball tradition, the University of Utah men's 
basketball team has given us an extraordinary season. Our entire state 
is proud of this team and proud of its coach, Rick Majerus.
  It is a tribute to the exceptional skills of any college team to make 
it to the ``Final Four.'' The two games on Saturday evening were a 
sports fan's dream. Stanford and North Carolina put their best into the 
games, and they were exciting to watch.
  Of course, I am disappointed in the outcome of Monday's final 
championship game in which Utah lost to another fine team from the 
University of Kentucky--a team which has become known as the ``Comeback 
Cats.''
  Nevertheless, Monday night's championship game caps a brilliant 
season for the Utes that started with the longest undefeated streak in 
the country and ended in a fantastic tournament run to the finals. The 
championship battle showcased two teams that were not favored to be 
there. Despite Kentucky's tremendous history and great success in the 
1990s, the Wildcats were overshadowed by other teams who filled the top 
spots in the polls all year. Similarly, Utah was overlooked by many 
sportswriters for much of the year, even though it began the season 
with the best record in the country.
  Mr. President, the University of Utah's season was a great 
accomplishment not only for the team, but also for the entire 
university community, the Western Athletic Conference, and the great 
State of Utah.
  Since taking over the reins at the ``U'' in 1989, Coach Rick Majerus 
has made Utah one of the best teams in the country during the 1990s. He 
has done so by encouraging tremendous discipline and work ethic, 
stressing both basketball fundamentals and positive attitude. Rick 
Majerus is also a coach who cares about his players beyond their 
ability to play ball; he understands the importance of other aspects of 
the university mission, including academics and community citizenship. 
It is important to note that Ute players have excelled in other 
pursuits as well. Seniors Michael Doleac and Drew Hansen, for example, 
are headed for medical school and law school respectively.
  Mr. President, I am extremely proud of the University of Utah for a 
tremendous year. It is said that everyone loves a winner. Well, this 
team has been truly outstanding both on and off the court. They have 
won with grace and lost with dignity. These same attributes are 
reflected in the loyal Utah fans. Some 4000 die-hard supporters viewed 
the game on a giant screen in the university's Huntsman Center. And, 
despite the heartbreaking loss, Ute fans have continued to be proud of 
their team. After the players and

[[Page S3114]]

coaches returned to campus late Tuesday, they joined students and fans 
in an exuberant pep rally to celebrate their achievements. On 
Wednesday, a parade was held in their honor, culminating on the steps 
of City Hall. Mayor Deedee Corradini and the city council presented the 
team with the key to the city.
  I want to congratulate the entire Ute team: The coaching staff, 
including Coach Majerus and his great assistant coaches Donny Daniels, 
Jeff Judkins, and Brock Brundhorst. And, my hat is off to the players: 
Michael Doleac, Drew Hansen, Andre Miller, Hanno Mottola, Alex Jensen, 
Jordie McTavish, David Jackson, Nate Althoff, Greg Barratt, Jon 
Carlisle, Trace Caton, Britton Johnsen, and Adam Sharp. Thanks for 
giving us so much to cheer about.


                       THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  MR. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, 
Wednesday, April 1, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,540,550,647,696.94 (Five trillion, five hundred forty billion, five 
hundred fifty million, six hundred forty-seven thousand, six hundred 
ninety-six dollars and ninety-four cents).
  One year ago, April 1, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,375,122,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred seventy-five billion, 
one hundred twenty-two million).
  Five years ago, April 1, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,225,874,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred twenty-five billion, 
eight hundred seventy-four million).
  Ten years ago, April 1, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,509,151,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred nine billion, one 
hundred fifty-one million).
  Fifteen years ago, April 1, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,237,481,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred thirty-seven billion, 
four hundred eighty-one million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,303,069,647,696.94 (Four trillion, three hundred 
three billion, sixty-nine million, six hundred forty-seven thousand, 
six hundred ninety-six dollars and ninety-four cents) during the past 
15 years.

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