[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   THE CUSTER WILDCATS ARE THE 2002 SOUTH DAKOTA STATE MEN'S ``AA'' 
                          BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate the Custer Wildcats. The Wildcats under veteran coach 
Larry Luitjens, won the South Dakota Class ``A'' Basketball Tournament 
March 16 in Sioux Falls, SD.
  This is the fifth title in a dozen years for the Wildcats and Coach 
Luitjens. Custer defeated Pine Ridge and Crow Creek to advance to the 
championship game against long-time State tournament rival Lennox. The 
Wildcats rallied to win the contest 55-50. Custer had defeated Lennox 
to claim State titles in 1992, 1993 and 1998. Lennox defeated Custer 
for the 1991 title. This is the first State title won by Custer since 
the 1998 championship, when Derek Paulsen hit a game-winning basket. 
Just over a year later, Derek was tragically killed in an automobile 
accident.
  This year's team included the athletic talents of Derek's brother, 
Paige, and their father Fred is a long-time Assistant Coach to 
Luitjens. ``It was just four years ago that we were here on this same 
floor and Derek made the last shot that won the game for us,'' Coach 
Luitjens told the Rapid City Journal after this year's title victory. 
``You can't help but think about him.'' Guided by the spirit and memory 
of Derek Paulsen, the team won 20 of their last 21 games. Another 
special highlight this season came when Coach Luitjens became the 
winningest coach in South Dakota basketball history.
  Luitjens' 35-year coaching career includes stints with DeSmet, SD, 
and New England, ND, and the long-time coach now has a record of 590-
224. Larry's teams from 1989 to 1991 put together a string of 49 
consecutive victories, South Dakota's longest winning streak among 
State ``A'' teams. Larry is known for his coaching expertise and the 
quality of teams he puts on the basketball court each year. He is also 
well-respected for the sportsmanship he instills in his players and the 
students he mentors each year and the relationships he fosters between 
his team and other teams in South Dakota, especially teams on South 
Dakota's Indian reservations.
  I want to applaud and commend the community of Custer for their 
ongoing support of young people. This title reflects that community 
support. I want to acknowledge Superintendent Tim Creal and Athletic 
Director Paul Anderson and recognize the dedicated efforts of Head 
Coach and Principal Larry Luitjens and Assistant Coaches Fred Paulsen, 
Chris Kolker and Neil Sieger. I congratulate the success and hard work 
of players Brady Sumners, Travis Meyers, Ben Mueller, Cash Melvin, 
Paige Paulsen, Michael Burke, Matt Lyndoe, Danny Fool Bull, Michael 
Arnold and Tyler Custis. Travis Meyer and Tyler Custis were named to 
the all-tournament team. In addition, I want to recognize the work of 
team managers Lacey Stender, Cassie Borg, Candi Cullum, Pete Linde, 
Ryan Scheibe, Spencer Paulsen and Caleb Woods and the special support 
provided by cheerleaders Amanda Halderman, Ashley Ziemann, Elizabeth 
Plooster and Shay Larson, under the guidance of advisor Cherri Block.
  Again, congratulations to the Custer Wildcats on winning this year's 
State ``A'' basketball championship for the State of South 
Dakota.

                          ____________________