[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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 JOSH HEUPEL RECOGNIZED FOR LEADING TEAM TO NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Josh 
Heupel, a native of Aberdeen, South Dakota who led the undefeated 
Oklahoma Sooners to the National Championship January 3, 2001. Josh and 
the number one ranked Sooners beat the Florida State Seminoles 13-2 in 
the FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami.
  Although the game was a defensive struggle, Josh was able to complete 
25 passes for 214 yards and also ran for another 24 yards. In the third 
quarter, Josh may have made the biggest play of the game when he made a 
crucial, 39-yard completion that kept the drive going to set up the 
second field goal of the game. That field goal gave the Sooners a 6-0 
advantage.
  Josh showed his true character after finishing second in the Heisman 
Trophy race. He explained that while he was disappointed, the only 
trophy he truly wanted was the National Championship because that 
represented the accomplishments of his team, not an individual. On 
Wednesday night he was able to accomplish his dream. That selfless 
attitude is charactistic of Josh, not only on the gridiron, but in life 
as well. He is well known for his devotion to his family, particularly 
as a role model for his younger sister, Andrea. He gives his time 
freely to charities and to work in his church. In fact, the televised 
Orange Bowl game itself was transformed into a community-wide charity 
fundraising event in Josh's hometown of Aberdeen by his friends and 
family.
  Ken and Cindy Heupel are Josh's parents and they can be very proud of 
their son's accomplishments, both as a football player and as a caring 
member of society. Ken is the head football coach at Northern State and 
Cindy is the principal at Aberdeen Central High School.
  From all South Dakotans, I want to wish Josh a heart felt 
congratulations. Although you have already proven that you are a true 
champion with the volunteer work and the community service, I am sure 
it is nice to take home the championship hardware.

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