[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      PAYING TRIBUTE TO WESTERN STATE COLLEGE CROSS-COUNTRY TEAMS

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize an outstanding group of dedicated young men and women from 
Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. The group is the men's and 
women's cross country teams, who for the second year in a row brought 
back to their school a national championship. I would like to commend 
them on their efforts and mention several of their accomplishments.
  The teams this year won the national title at Slippery Rock State 
University in Pennsylvania. By taking the title this year and in 2000, 
Western State has made cross-country history. It is only the second 
time in NCAA I, II, III Championships that both a men's and women's 
team from the same school have taken both titles. Their latest 
achievement culminates a successful year for all the athletes on the 
team. All of this was accomplished under the guidance and leadership of 
their coach Duane Vandenbusche, who for his efforts was awarded Coach 
of the Year at a conference, regional, and national level.
  Mr. Speaker, I am always proud to recognize the accomplishments of 
those who have dedicated their time and efforts to achieving a 
difficult goal. The Mountaineers of Western State College have made 
great sacrifices in their lives and have done a wonderful job 
representing the College and the State of Colorado. Their championship 
is well deserved and I look forward to watching their next season with 
pride and admiration.

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