[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY'S FLINTSTONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2000

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, as a Michigan State University graduate, 
it brings me great pleasure to honor three outstanding members of the 
Spartan's National Championship Basketball Team. These young men, each 
hailing from Flint, have reminded us all, through their own dedication, 
commitment, discipline, and hard work, of what it truly means to be a 
champion.
  Mateen Cleaves was the motivational leader of this talented 
basketball team and kept them focused all the way to the NCAA National 
Championship Title. After returning for his senior year, Mateen was 
sidelined for half the regular season with a foot injury. He came back 
to lead the Spartans to a Big Ten Championship, #1 seed in the NCAA 
Tournament, and a National Title. Described by Coach Tom Izzo as the 
``hardest worker'' he has ever coached, Mateen re-injured his foot in 
the final game of the tournament only to come back into the game and 
finish as the MVP of the Final Four.
  Morris Peterson emerged as one of the conference's top players last 
year and finished his final season as the Big Ten Player of the Year. 
Not only did he receive this award but was also voted to his second 
All-American and Big Ten First Team. Throughout the year, the Spartans 
turned to ``Mo P'' to provide leadership and results. He did both. He 
led the team in scoring and was the consistent ``go to guy'' when the 
game was on the line.
  Charlie Bell just finished his third year with the Spartan Basketball 
program. He had to make a very awkward adjustment this year, due to the 
absence of Mateen. Charlie, a shooting guard by nature, was forced to 
play point guard for the first half of the season. He not only handled 
the change well, he led the team to an impressive record while running 
the Spartan offense. Charlie was elected to the third team All Big Ten 
and the All Final Four Team. Thankfully, Charlie will be with the 
Spartans next year as we try to repeat as NCAA National Champions.
  Beyond the success of each of you on the court, you three have fully 
represented the values of ``unity'', ``teamwork'', ``leadership'', and 
``excellence''--both on and off the court. You have been role models 
whose contributions have enriched your native Flint, MSU and the State 
of Michigan, as well as the entire nation.
  I wish each of you a future filled with continued success, happiness, 
and prosperity and I want to thank you for all the excitement and joy 
that you brought into the lives of Spartans around the globe.

                          ____________________