[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 6 (Monday, February 4, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO SOUTH DAKOTA'S SUPER BOWL XXXVI PARTICIPANTS

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I congratulate Adam Vinatieri of 
the New England Patriots. Adam, a native of Rapid City and a South 
Dakota State University graduate, was instrumental in the Patriot 
victory in Super Bowl XXXVI. With :07 left in the fourth quarter and 
the score tied at 17, Adam kicked the game winning 48-yard field goal.
  Adam has had a long and very successful football career. During his 
NFL tenure, Adam has been to two Super Bowls and numerous playoff 
games. Prior to Adam's professional career, he played for the 
Jackrabbits from 1991-1994 and was all-North Central Conference punter 
and kicker from 1992-1994. Also, during Adam's early athletic years at 
Central High School in Rapid City, I was pleased to have nominated him 
for a service academy appointment.
  Although Adam will be remembered for his Super Bowl winning kick, his 
two field goals during the playoff game against the Oakland Raiders may 
have been even more impressive. During a snowstorm, he kicked a 45-yard 
field goal to send the game to overtime, and then kicked the game 
winning field goal in overtime to win the Divisional Playoff game. 
Without his leadership and resolve, the New England Patriots would not 
have been in a position to play in the Super Bowl, let alone win it. 
Adam reflects the best of South Dakota, and I know I speak for the 
entire State when I say congratulations on the great victory. We are 
all very proud of you.
  Also, I would like to congratulate several other particpants from 
Super Bowl XXXVI who have South Dakota ties, including Adam Timmerman, 
a guard for the St. Louis Rams and a SDSU graduate; Matt Chatham, a 
University of South Dakota standout and backup linebacker for the 
Patriots; Brad Seely, a Baltic native and Special Teams coach for the 
New England Patriots; and Mike Martz who was born in Sioux Falls and is 
the head coach of the Rams.
  It is very satisfying to know that even though South Dakota has no 
professional or Division I sports, we were very well represented in the 
biggest sporting event in America. Congratulations to all who played 
and participated in one of the best Super Bowls ever played.

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