[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY'S MEN'S SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Southern Connecticut State 
University's Men's Soccer team. With two consecutive NCAA Division II 
Championships in 1998 and 1999, for a total of six over the past 
thirteen years, the young men who have participated in this program 
have met tremendous challenges with unparalleled dedication and hard 
work.
  Over the past decade, the athletic department at Southern Connecticut 
State University has dedicated itself to instilling a revitalized 
spirit and interest in the game of soccer. With his experience and true 
passion for the game, Armand Dikranian, founder and former head coach 
of Southern's soccer program, has led this effort. Under his 
leadership, the Owls won their first national championship in 1987. In 
his years at Southern, Mr. Dikranian has developed the soccer program 
into one of the nation's finest. Now serving as a consultant to the 
Owls' men's and women's squads and the Director of Intramural and Club 
Sports, he continues in his efforts to nurture and develop the natural 
talent of Southern's athletes.
  While it is important to recognize individual achievements, it is the 
team effort that makes these young people true winners. Current Head 
Coach Tom Lang as well as the assistant coaches and staff are all 
alumni of Southern's soccer program--teaching the current team members 
the same lessons that have led the Owls to success time and again: hard 
work and team work. Southern's 1999 Men's Soccer team, a combination of 
past and present, demonstrated a unique commitment, not only to 
themselves, but to each other. They are role models for us all.
  Collegiate sports provide invaluable lessons to our young people--
team work, discipline, comradery and commitment to excellence. These 
are skills that will serve them well as they begin to make a difference 
in the world. I am honored to rise today to extend my sincere 
congratulations to every member of Southern Connecticut State 
University's Men's Soccer Team as this year's NCAA Division II National 
Champions--an accomplishment for which they should all be very proud.

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