[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN BIG TEN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

  Mr. KOHL. Madam President, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to honor the University of Wisconsin's men's basketball team. On 
Wednesday, the Badgers beat Michigan, 74-54, in Madison to finish 11-5 
and clinch at least a share of the Big Ten Conference Championship and 
a No. 1 seed in next week's Conference Tournament. The players and 
coaches on the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team provide an 
example of commitment, skill and sportsmanship as they bring the school 
its first Big Ten Conference title in men's basketball since 1947.
  Not too many people gave this young team a chance to succeed before 
the season began. Based on the preseason consensus, this was to be a 
rebuilding year and the Badgers would finish near or at the bottom of 
the league standings. However, in the spirit of the Wisconsin faithful 
who have supported the men's basketball program both in times of glory 
and moments of frustration, the Badgers proved themselves to be a 
hardworking, highly motivated and resilient team.
  I especially want to recognize the phenomenal job of first-year UW 
coach Bo Ryan, who, from day one, brought a winning atmosphere. 
Likewise, the close-knit group of players committed themselves to 
improving throughout the season. It all culminated with the team 
winning its last six Big Ten games. Coach Ryan and his players have 
given the State of Wisconsin a lot of great basketball to look forward 
to in the years to come.
  Winning the Big Ten is an impressive achievement, one that the 
players, coaches, and fans should be proud of for as long as they live. 
The Badgers' season, however, is not done yet. I look forward to 
cheering the team on during ``March Madness,'' and hope to watch this 
hard-working team make it all the way to Atlanta for the Final Four. On 
Wisconsin!

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