[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E385-E386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY'S MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 22, 2000

  Mr. LARSON. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Congressman Sam Gejdenson (CT-
02) and myself, today I honor a special group of college athletes who 
have captured the hearts and minds of people across the State. On March 
16, the Central Connecticut State University Men's Basketball team 
played in the NCAA Division I tournament for the first time since 
joining the division in 1986.
  When the Blue Devils traveled to the Minneapolis Metrodome for their 
big game, they brought with them the accomplishment of a 25 and 5 
overall record during the 1999-2000 season, including a 15-game winning 
streak, and the title of Northeast Conference Champions. They had set 
their sights on a win in the first round of action, but they were 
already winners in the hearts of many across the Nation.
  Central waited many years, but it was finally their turn at the ``big 
dance.'' As an alumnus of the University, I could not be happier for 
the team.
  There is nothing better than school pride. The approximately 12,000 
students who attend the University, which is located on a campus that 
encompasses both Newington and New Britain Connecticut, were given two 
more reasons to feel this pride with the team's win at the Northeast 
Conference on March 6, and with the announcement on Sunday, March 12 
that they were headed to the NCAA Division I Championship playoffs.
  The great, former Central coach Bill Detrick summed up the passion 
and pride that alumnus, students and friends of the University felt 
when the team won the Northeast Conference Championship, ``When those 
nets were cut down, oh boy, all the players, coaches and fans ever at 
Central were up on that ladder, too.''
  Yes, in a manner of speaking, we were on that ladder. And the person 
who helped us experience that amazing moment was the Blue Devil's coach 
and fellow University alumnus, Howie Dickenman. Under his leadership 
the team won the Northeast Conference Championship just two years after 
joining the conference. In just his fourth year as head coach, 
Dickenman has transformed the Blue Devils from a 4 and 22 team into 
champions. No one is more deserving of the Northeast Conference Coach 
of the Year recognition than Howie Dickenman.
  Here is a man who just earned a remarkable professional achievement, 
but who gave

[[Page E386]]

the glory of the moment to the memory of his best friend from college 
and former coaching staff colleague, Dave Rybczyk. Dave past away in 
September 1999, but he spent 11 years working as assistant coach along 
side his dear friend Howie. What a moving moment when Howie let Dave's 
son and former Blue Devil's player, Mark, cut the final strands of the 
net after the Northeast Conference Championship game in honor of his 
father.
  I had the pleasure of going to college with How Dickenman so I know 
first hand what a caring individual he is, and how passionate he is 
about coaching. He takes the legacy passed down to him by his father, a 
former basketball coach at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, CT, very 
seriously. So much so, that he carried one of the bowties that his 
father used to wear as a coach in his pocket during Central's 
championship game.
  Words of gratitude for this ``dream season'' must also be expressed 
to the team's assistant coaches Steve Pikiell, Patrick Sellers, and 
Anthony Latina. Central's men's basketball program truly encompasses 
the meaning of the word ``team.'' The dedication and support of Steve, 
Patrick, and Anthony played a key role in helping these amazing players 
be their best.
  And finally, the amazing players. Each one has helped make this very 
special moment happen for the school and they should be extremely proud 
of their accomplishment. Wherever life may take them upon graduation 
from Central Connecticut State University, the memories of this 
remarkable season will remain with them forever.
  We would be remiss if we did not mention the most selfless act of one 
player in particular, Victor Payne, which was observed by University 
President Richard Judd.
  A dedicated fan, who is a wheelchair-bound Central student, has 
attended every one of the team's games. And the team's Northeast 
Conference championship game in Trenton, NJ, was no exception. After 
the net was lowered, Victor Payne cut off a string and quietly, without 
fanfare walked over to this student and handed it to him. What a heart-
rendering act of team spirit that embodies what the athletic program at 
Central Connecticut State University is all about. Victor Payne wasn't 
told to do that, he just knew in his heart it was the right thing to 
do.
  We offer out most sincere congratulations to the Central Connecticut 
State University Men's Basketball team on their many successes this 
season. Thank you for the wonderful memories you have provided.
  We wish the Blue Devils many years of continued success. Thanks for 
making two of your biggest fans very proud.

                          ____________________