[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS W. EWING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 1998

  Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
outstanding achievements of the 1997-98 University of Illinois women's 
basketball team. With a ``Dare to be Great'' attitude, head coach 
Theresa Grentz challenges her players, coaching staff and those working 
with her to strive for excellence. Studying the 1997-98 record books, 
it seems to have paid off.
  The University of Illinois Women's 1997-98 basketball team was 
destined to soar to new heights. Their No. 5 ranking in December marked 
the highest rankings ever by an Illinois team. Illinois earned a No. 3 
seed, the highest in program history, and advanced to the ``Sweet 
Sixteen'' for the second consecutive year, an outstanding 
accomplishment. Senior Ashley Berggren became Illinois' all-time 
leading scorer with 22 points against Purdue. She finished her career 
with 2,089 points, placing fifth all-time in the Big Ten. Fellow 
teammate and senior Krista Reinking set the Illinois record for three-
point field goals made in a game while playing Minnesota. She closed 
out her career with a total of 194 three-point field goals. Coach 
Grentz, who won her second consecutive Big Ten Coach of the Year award, 
led her team to a nine game winning streak spanning November 28 until 
January 16, the second longest in program history. The 1998 senior 
class tied the class of 1984 for the all-time winningest class with 67 
wins over four years. For this honor I would like to recognize the 
Senior players; Guard Ashley Berggren from Barrington, IL; Guard Kelly 
Bond from Chicago, IL; Guard Krista Reinking from Decatur, IN; and 
Center Nicole Vasey from Lake Zurich, IL. May their past successes 
continue to follow them wherever they may go. Mr. Speaker, I would like 
to thank the entire women's team, Coach Grentz and all involved in 
bringing such excitement and pride to the University of Illinois.




                          ____________________