[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3669-S3670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING PURDUE UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk and ask for
its immediate consideration.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 76) commending the Purdue University
women's basketball team on winning the 1999 National
Collegiate Athletic Association women's basketball
championship.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak not only on my own
behalf but on behalf of my senior colleague, Dick Lugar, who,
unfortunately, could not be with us at the last moment. I know he will
be submitting his own remarks on behalf of the Lady Boilermakers and
their outstanding victory in the NCAA women's basketball tournament
this year. I know the rules prohibit me from pointing anybody out in
the galleries, but I want to say how much I appreciate the presence of
several constituents today; in particular, the mayor of West Lafayette,
IN, several officials representing Purdue University, and several of
our distinguished citizens from Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, and
elsewhere across our State.
Mr. President, basketball is perhaps synonymous with the State of
Indiana, not only because we love to play the game, not only because we
believe in physical fitness, but because of the character, the
determination, and the other fine attributes associated with that sport
that are necessary for success in it.
[[Page S3670]]
This year's Purdue women's basketball team, perhaps better than any
other, exhibits those character traits. They are an example of Indiana
at its finest and the United States of America at its finest. So I rise
today to salute them both as individuals and as a team for their
accomplishments.
Mr. President, this team was an example of near perfection. Their
record was an outstanding 34 victories and only 1 defeat. They are the
first women's championship team representing any Big Ten university in
any sport. Their coach, Carolyn Peck, an outstanding individual, is not
only the youngest coach to lead a winning team to the NCAA tournament,
but she is also the first African American one to do it. One of their
star players, Stephanie White-McCarty, is not only a first-team
athletic all-American, but also an academic all-American. As a matter
of fact, Mr. President, she represents the rest of the team very well
in that regard.
The team, as a whole, had a combined grade point average of 3.0,
which is very good by today's standards, particularly with regard to
the athletic community.
Mr. President, once again, I salute the Lady Boilermakers for their
outstanding contributions not only on the basketball court, but because
of the outstanding individuals they are.
Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today to join with my colleague from
Indiana as a cosponsor of this Senate resolution commending the Purdue
University women's basketball team on winning the 1999 National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball championship.
The Lady Boilermakers this year have made Indiana history in becoming
the first women's sport to bring home a national championship title for
Purdue University. They are also the first women's basketball team in
the Big Ten Athletic Conference to win the NCAA title.
This resolution is a fitting tribute and a deserving honor for Coach
Carolyn Peck and the team members who persevered throughout the long
season and the playoffs to win the national title. Their commitment and
dedication to this tremendous effort is demonstrated by their winning
record of 34 games--including a string of 32 consecutive victories.
Throughout this storied season, the Lady Boilers' skill and dedication
was matched only by the grace and dignity with which they carried
themselves as a team en route to the national title.
For departing seniors Ukari Figgs and Stephanie White-McCarty, this
victory is truly special as they complete their studies at Purdue and
look toward the future. Winning the NCAA title is an historic and
special occasion--placing this team among a select company of national
champions. Their triumph will be remembered at Purdue and throughout
our State for years to come.
The dedication and sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the season
by the Lady Boilers reaffirm our strong basketball tradition in
Indiana. The team's competitive spirit and commitment to excellence
make them deserving recipients of the accolades of the nation and the
honor of this special Senate resolution.
Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution
and preamble be agreed to en bloc and that the motion to reconsider be
laid upon the table, without intervening action.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 76) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 76
Whereas the Purdue University Lady Boilermakers (Lady
Boilers) won their first National Championship in the
National Collegiate Athletic Association women's basketball
tournament on March 28, 1999;
Whereas the Lady Boilers finished the 1998-99 season with
an outstanding record, winning 34 games, including 32
consecutive victories;
Whereas the Lady Boilers proudly brought Purdue University
its first ever NCAA championship in any women's sport, and
did so with skill matched by grace and dignity;
Whereas the Lady Boilers claimed the first ever NCAA
women's basketball championship by any member of the Big Ten
Athletic Conference; and
Whereas the Lady Boilers have brought great pride and
distinction to the State of Indiana: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate commends the Purdue University
Lady Boilers basketball team for winning the National
Collegiate Athletic Association women's basketball national
championship.
Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence
of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Burns). Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed for 6
minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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