[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 27 (Tuesday, March 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY CHEERLEADING SQUAD

 Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, today I have the privilege and 
honor of sharing with my fellow colleagues the most recent and 
astounding accomplishment of the University of Kentucky Cheerleading 
squad. This year the UK Cheerleaders won their eighth straight 
Universal Cheerleaders Association's, UCA's, National College 
Cheerleading Championship for NCAA Division 1-A schools. These young 
men and women deserve our recognition and admiration for their efforts.
  The UK squad has now won UCA's National Championship an unprecedented 
twelve times, in 1985, 1987, 1988, 1992, and 1995-2002, more than any 
other Division 1-A school. In fact they are the only squad to ever win 
back to back championships twice and also the only team to win three, 
four, five, six, seven, and now eight titles in a row. They are widely 
recognized as the best of the best in the Cheerleading community and 
have been a key contributor to the University's athletic success. The 
Wildcat basketball team is arguably the most storied program in the 
Nation and much of their success can be attributed to the enthusiasm 
and spirit generated by the Cheerleading squad. For those who have 
never had the opportunity of seeing a game in Rupp Arena, I can tell 
you that the atmosphere is absolutely electric.
  Besides the attention they receive on the court from the UK students 
and fans, the Cheerleading squad has also been covered by the national 
media. The squad has been featured on such programs as, ``Evening 
News,'' Connie Chung's ``Eye to Eye,'' and the ``CBS Morning Show,'' as 
well as in ``Southern Living,'' ``Gentlemen's Quarterly,'' ``ESPN the 
Magazine,'' and ``Seventeen'' magazines. This recognition does not come 
without a price however. These young men and women sacrifice a 
considerable amount of their time and energy practicing, learning, and 
mastering their extremely difficult routines. This often means long 
practices and endless hours in the weight room. These young men and 
women are athletes in every sense of the word.
  I applaud the University of Kentucky Cheerleading squad for their 
commitment and dedication to their goals and dreams. They represent the 
University and the Commonwealth of Kentucky in a classy and 
professional manner. I am proud of each and every one of them.

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