[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 5 (Monday, January 31, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO C.M. NEWTON

 Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
my friend and fellow Kentuckian C.M. Newton on the occasion of his 
retirement as Athletics Director at the University of Kentucky.
  C.M. Newton has made contributions to the University that are as 
great in number as they are significant in accomplishment in his 11 
years as Wildcats Athletics Director. The positive changes and 
improvements he implemented over the years culminate into an unmatched 
legacy of excellence for C.M. and for the entire University of Kentucky 
community.
  C.M.'s involvement with the Wildcats began long before his tenure as 
Athletics Director. He attended U.K. and received a bachelor's degree 
in 1952, and earned a masters degree in 1957. During his undergraduate 
years, C.M. played on the Wildcats basketball team and lettered on 
their 1951 NCAA championship team. He also pitched for the U.K. 
baseball team, and played quarterback for a Wildcats intramural 
football team.
  In the years between his graduation from the University of Kentucky 
and his return in 1989, C.M. began his professional career in 
athletics. While serving in the Air Force in 1953, C.M. held his first 
official leadership position in athletics as the athletic officer for 
Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. He served as head basketball 
coach with Transylvania University, the University of Alabama, and 
Vanderbilt University, with a lifetime coaching record of 509 wins and 
375 losses. He also served as Assistant Commissioner for the 
Southeastern Conference (SEC). C.M. approached these positions of 
leadership with a vigor, integrity, and enthusiasm that the world of 
sports took notice of by naming him Associated Press Southeastern 
Conference Coach of the Year in 1972, 1976, 1988 and 1989 and United 
Press International SEC Coach of the Year in 1972, 1978, and 1988.
  C.M. also achieved a number of other honors, including membership on 
the Board of Directors of the National Association of Basketball 
Coaches, Chairman of the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee, Vice 
President and President of USA Basketball, Chairman of the USA 
Basketball Games Committee, membership in the NCAA Division I 
Basketball Committee, Chairman of the NCAA Basketball Officiating 
Committee, and membership on the FIBA Central Board.
  It was with this vast list of accomplishments and honors that C.M. 
chose to return to the University of Kentucky on April 1, 1989. C.M. 
hit the ground running as Athletics Director and with his already well-
established reputation for excellence and integrity, brought winning 
coaches and players to the Wildcats athletics programs. During C.M.'s 
leadership at U.K., the basketball and football teams soared, the men's 
and women's soccer teams received national attention, and the program 
grew to include 22 varsity sports--more than any other school in the 
SEC. The Wildcats athletic budget has more than tripled under C.M.'s 
tenure, allowing the school to expand and renovate several of the 
campus athletic facilities.
  More than anything, though, C.M. Newton rejuvenated an excitement 
about athletics at the University of Kentucky. He led the Wildcats in a 
way that commanded respect--he led with dignity and embodied integrity.
  Thank you, C.M., for your 11 years of dedicated service to the 
University of Kentucky, which resulted in winning teams, winning kids, 
and a top-quality program. Your spirit and legacy will continue to 
drive the Wildcats to victory for years to come. Best wishes in your 
retirement and may God bless you, Evelyn, and your family in this next 
phase of your life.

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