[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H101-H104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BUCKEYES FOOTBALL TEAM
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 10) congratulating the Ohio State University
football team for winning the 2002 NCAA Division I-A collegiate
football national championship.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 10
Whereas in 2002, the Ohio State University Buckeyes
football team captured its fifth undisputed collegiate
national football championship;
[[Page H102]]
Whereas The Ohio State University is a member of the Big
Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic
Association Division I-A and in 2002 was the Conference's
champion for the 29th time in school history;
Whereas The Ohio State University's 14-0 record in 2002 is
the best for a season for a Division I-A football team in
national college football history;
Whereas on the way to the national championship Ohio State
defeated five nationally ranked opponents, which included a
14-9 triumph over the University of Michigan;
Whereas The Ohio State University entered the Fiesta Bowl
as an 11-point underdog to a University of Miami team that
was on a 34-game winning streak, yet emerged victorious;
Whereas Head Coach Jim Tressel has won five national
college football championships, the 2002 championship being
his first Division I-A title and his first with The Ohio
State University;
Whereas Coach Tressel and his father Lee Tressel are the
only father-son combination to each win National Coach of the
Year honors and a national championship in football;
Whereas each player, coach, trainer, and manager dedicated
their time and effort to ensuring that the Buckeyes reached
the pinnacle of team achievement;
Whereas The Ohio State University Marching Band, and the
cheerleaders, students, alumni, faculty, and supporters of
The Ohio State University are to be congratulated for their
commitment and pride in the Buckeyes' football program; and
Whereas its five Division I-A football national
championships makes the Ohio State University football
program among the most successful in college football
history: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates the Ohio State University football team
for winning the 2002 NCAA Division I-A collegiate football
national championship;
(2) recognizes the achievements of all the players,
coaches, and support staff who were instrumental in helping
The Ohio State University win the 2002 NCAA Division I-A
collegiate football national championship and invites them to
the United States Capitol Building to be honored;
(3) requests that the President recognize the
accomplishments and achievements of the 2002 Ohio State
University football team and invite them to Washington, D.C.,
for a White House ceremony for national championship teams;
and
(4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
make available enrolled copies of this resolution to The Ohio
State University for appropriate display and to transmit an
enrolled copy of the resolution to each coach and member of
the 2002 NCAA Division I-A collegiate football national
championship team.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi).
General Leave
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on H. Res. 10.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume.
As a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, it is a
privilege to manage this resolution today on behalf of the committee
and for my neighbor and colleague from Columbus, Ohio (Ms. Pryce), a
graduate of the Ohio State University, on the new reigning NCAA
national champions of college football, congratulating the Ohio State
University on a great season and a great title game.
The gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce), a huge Buckeye fan, represents
the main campus of the Ohio State University and could not be with us
today because of leadership obligations.
I, as the other Member of Congress from Columbus, Ohio, have a
privilege to manage this resolution today honoring our great football
team and a tremendous season, a true story of David versus Goliath,
with 13 seniors and many young players on a team in an incredible
season, unprecedented season, 14 and 0.
Ohio State brought home its fifth national championship, Mr. Speaker,
a classic season and a classic final game for the ages.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume.
I rise in support of H. Res. 10, congratulating Ohio State University
for winning the NCAA Division I football championship.
Last Friday, Ohio State captured its fifth national football
championship, winning one of the most closely fought college football
games in recent memory. College football fans, student athletes and the
general public were treated to an exciting Fiesta Bowl and end to this
college football season.
I want to extend my hearty congratulations to head coach Jim Tressel,
Ohio State University president Karen Holbrook, and Ohio State's
student athletes for a job very well done.
I also want to extend my congratulations to the University of Miami
and their student athletes for a great season. The University of Miami
won all of their games during the regular season and produced two
leading Heisman trophy contenders in Ken Dorsey and William McGahee. I
know that I speak for all of this Congress as we wish Mr. McGahee a
speedy and thorough recovery from the knee injury he sustained during
the game.
Winning a championship has brought national acclaim to Ohio State
University, and I hope the fans at the university and the university
community treasures this moment for many, many years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to
the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the chairman of
the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my colleague the gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) from Columbus, Ohio, and an Ohio State grad and
a former member of the Ohio State marching band for bringing this
resolution to the floor today, and let me say I support the underlying
resolution, support and congratulate the Ohio State University on what
really was an outstanding season, not only for the coach and the
players, the fans, but for all who watched Ohio State go through a
number of games where it was very close, games that they were certainly
about to lose, including the national championship.
As an old football player myself, I can tell my colleagues the game
on January 3, the national championship game, was one of the most
exciting football games that I have ever watched or one that I ever
played in.
The real credit here goes to Coach Jim Tressel and his players. They
did not have the most talented team in the country, not even close, and
to win all of the close games all year is a sign of very good coaching
and players who come together to create a very good team, and so for
myself and my colleagues, our delegation, we want to congratulate the
Ohio State University, the coach Jim Tressel, the players and all the
fans.
Way to go, Bucks.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley), the chairman of the Committee on
Financial Services, and a Ohio State University Law School graduate.
(Mr. OXLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the
time, and this is indeed a proud day for all Buckeyes. This has been
quite a season to see in the ups and downs, and to see this talented
group of athletes, student athletes, under the leadership of Coach Jim
Tressel was a memorable time for all of us and to see an underdog team
perform so well in the Fiesta Bowl for the national championship, with
a crowd that was probably 80 to 85 percent made up of scarlet and gray
was truly amazing, and as the coach said after the game, he felt that
the crowd, very strong crowd, from Ohio State truly made a difference
in the outcome, and for that, we are very, very pleased.
The gentleman from Columbus mentioned that I was an Ohio State law
grad. That is correct. It is also true that of the four branch campuses
of the Ohio State University, I represent three, in Mansfield and Lima
and Marion. I have had a long-standing relationship with that great
university, and we have seen perhaps the culmination of a season, like
no other, where
[[Page H103]]
we have won 14 games, including the national championship.
The last one we won was January 1 of 1969, when I was a senior at
Ohio State Law School and got to see Ohio State defeat Southern
California. If the gentlewoman from California is listening, we beat
USC for the national championship. So Woody Hayes is smiling somewhere
today because Ohio State is back on top, and for that we are very, very
grateful.
I thank the gentleman from Columbus for his leadership in this area.
As an Ohio State football fan since I was boy, I never thought I'd
say this, but there is something bigger than the Michigan game.
Ohio State has a great football history. Going into this year 4
consensus National Championships. 28 Big Ten Championships. 13 Rose
Bowl appearances. 6 Heisman Trophy Winners.
But I doubt there will ever be a single game that matches what
happened last Friday night at the Fiesta Bowl when the Buckeyes
defeated the Miami Hurricanes, 31-24 in overtime, to win their first
undisputed national championship since the 1968 team.
I was a student at the Ohio State's law school back then and never
dreamed I'd have to wait this long to see the Buckeyes win another
championship. But in exchange for a little patience and few frustrating
years against our neighboring state to the north, Ohio State fans were
able to watch our team play and win the greatest college football game
in history.
Under legendary coach Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes usually went into
games as the favorites. This time, the experts said Ohio State was
overmatched. But Coach Jim Tressel knew that all any team needs to do
to win, is make plays. The plays were unforgettable--and there were so
many of them!
Maurice Clarett's strip after a crucial Miami interception. Michael
Doss's pick-off. Matt Wilhelms's crushing sack. Craig Krenzel's
miraculous 4th-and-14 completion in overtime and his quarterback sneak
for the touchdown. And the final goal line stand by a valiant defense.
I salute Miami's effort, and you can see why they were the defending
champions. But we in Ohio are proud that the Buckeyes won and ever
prouder of the way they won: with determination, passion, and courage.
This is a team that taught all of us a lesson, and the lesson is: it's
only over when you stop trying.
I don't want to wait another 34 years to see Ohio State play for
another national championship. But my heart may need that long to
recover from this one!
{time} 1530
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the chairman of the Committee on Financial Services
mentioned that he represents three of the four branch campuses. I
happen to represent the fourth, in Newark, Ohio. So I believe we have
the State covered, Mr. Chairman.
The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) mentioned that Coach Jim
Tressel has truly reinvigorated the football program at Ohio State and
the fans around the State of Ohio, but also his belief in college
football and what it means to the student athlete, the importance of
teamwork and sportsmanship, school spirit and heart; and he was
recognized this week as coach of the year by the American Football
Coaches Association, a truly well-deserved honor.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Springfield, Ohio (Mr. Hobson), who is a distinguished law school
graduate from Ohio State University.
Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I represent a large part of Franklin County.
I would like to thank the gentleman from Columbus for his leadership on
this bill. As a former band member, I guess he learned how to march
pretty well; and he has done a good job here in Congress.
It was a great game, and both teams need to be congratulated for
playing an outstanding game, one of the best traditions in competition.
There were no penalties, as I recall, for any unnecessary roughness or
unsportsmanlike activities in that game. It was true champions going at
each other.
In the final analysis, the champion was Ohio State University. Ohio
State University is a champion in many ways, not just in football but
in a lot of other endeavors as a university. It is an outstanding
university in this country, and it has been my pleasure to work with
them on a number of things.
I think there was a time when many people said to themselves, golly,
I wonder if this new coach can coach at this level in the Big Ten.
Well, I think that has all been put to rest. He is a national coach
today. He has a national reputation. And he has shown what a true
gentleman can do in recruiting and in coaching this young team to the
success that they had this year. He has built a successful football
team without sacrificing strong beliefs in the importance of academics
for his players. His leadership has paid off with the Buckeyes' having
a championship to show for it and memories of a game that people and
sports writers are already calling one of the greatest college football
games in history.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would like to quote something that
Coach Tressel said. He said, I believe an accurate quote, ``We have
always known we had the best damn band in the land. Now we know we have
the best damned team in the land.'' With that, Go Bucks!
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to close.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
As my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson), mentioned, he
also represents Franklin County. We also have the gentlewoman from Ohio
(Ms. Pryce), who represents Franklin County, and as I said represents
the main campus of Ohio State University, but could not be with us on
the floor today because of leadership duties. But again, on behalf of
the entire Ohio delegation, we want to again congratulate Ohio State
University and all of the Buckeye nation for a fantastic season and a
well-deserved honor.
As a native of Columbus and an Ohio State graduate and a 4-year
member of the Ohio State Marching Band, I want to also congratulate the
rest of the folks at Ohio State; not just the team, but the band, the
cheerleaders, the entire athletic department, the student athletes who
represent other sports, and the students as well of Ohio State
University for such a fine honor, as well as to again salute Coach
Tressel and the entire organization not only in winning the
championship but doing it with class.
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it was with some reluctance that I voted for
the OSU resolution.
Much has been said today about the quality of the Ohio State players,
coaches, and fans. However, nothing has been said about the refs.
After watching the game I too, wondered about the refs and their
ability to be employed in the future. I was pleased to see that they
seemed to be in action just a couple days later during the San
Francisco-N.Y. Giants game on Sunday.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to
pay special tribute to The Ohio State University football team. On
January 3rd they finished their season by beating the then number 1
ranked Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl. This resulted in their
winning the Division 1-A College Football National Championship. This
is the university's first title since 1968. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker,
the Buckeyes are the first Big 10 team to win the crown since the Bowl
Championship Series was implemented in 1998.
The amount of time and effort Coach Tressel, his staff, and the team
put into this feat is a tribute to the proud tradition boasted by The
Ohio State University. They have proven that even the most difficult
goals can be reached through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.
Mr. Speaker, Jim Tressel is the only coach currently in his
profession to win national titles in both Division 1-AA and now
Division 1-A. He won four national titles while coaching at Youngstown
State and now has his first at Ohio State. His steadfastness toward
education and the discipline he demands off the field is a formula to
which all coaches should aspire. His win last Friday validates so much
more than what a strong defense can do for a team. It shows that
character, planning, and responsible decision-making are what really
matters in the end. Coach Tressel has built an organization that has
taken The Ohio State University back to greatness both on and off the
football field. On behalf of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, I
congratulate him, his coaches, and the team on a job well done.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I
offer this resolution, which congratulates the Ohio State Buckeyes on
their historic win against the Miami Hurricanes in claiming the 2002
Division 1-A national collegiate football championship.
Mr. Speaker, the Buckeyes steadily rose through the national rankings
this year under
[[Page H104]]
the unwavering leadership of their second year head coach, Jim Tressel.
Starting the season ranked an unlucky 13th, the Buckeyes kept winning
and winning, ending up the regular season by beating archrival Michigan
14-9, remaining undefeated and ranked 2nd in the country.
Their record earned Ohio State a trip to Tempe, Arizona to play in
the Bowl Championship Series national championship game against the
Miami Hurricanes, a game in which the Buckeyes entered as an 11 point
underdog.
In that national championship game, ultimately decided in double
overtime Ohio State emerged victorious with their offense scoring 31
points and their defense holding Miami for four downs on the two yard
line as time expired to win the game. Critics and sportswriters have
already called this game arguably the greatest college football game
ever played.
The Buckeyes found a breathtaking way to end an equally dramatic
season.
From their fourth-down play successes to their 8 come-from-behind
victories, Ohio State showed their hearts on the field and won a record
setting 14 victories.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a moment to recognize Coach
Tressel, who is in his second year as the Head Coach of the Ohio State
Buckeyes. Coach Tressel's stoic, disciplinarian, and consistent style
of leadership has restored the Buckeye team to its rightful place among
the nation's elite college programs. And, in the process, Coach Tressel
has instantly joined coaches Woody Hayes and Paul Brown in the annals
of Ohio State's proud athletic history. In two short seasons, Coach
Tressel has demonstrated that winning is innate--whether at Division 1-
AA (Division 1 double A) Youngstown State or the Ohio State University.
However, the 2002 Buckeye team was perhaps best personified by junior
quarterback Craig Krenzel. The consistently under-rated Krenzel, a
molecular genetics major carrying a 3.7 GPA, displayed a grit and
toughness equal to his intellect by scoring two dramatic touchdowns,
leading both teams in rushing yards, and earning the Fiesta Bowl's MVP
honor.
Ohio State football history and tradition are the bedrock of
Columbus, Ohio--from The Best Damn Band in the Land, the Dotting of the
I in Script Ohio to the Horseshoe, Skull Sessions and Hineygate, Ohio
State fans are ever mindful of the University's storied past.
Both with and without tickets, some 60,000 adoring OSU faithful
traveled to Tempe to cheer on their Buckeyes, coloring Sun Devil
Stadium in a sea of scarlet and gray, and giving the Buckeyes a home
field advantage some 2000 miles away from Columbus.
As a graduate of The Ohio State University, I take enormous pride in
the Ohio State football team's sportsmanship and courage. The Buckeyes
showed the world the definition of champions. Their preparation,
fortitude, and desire will go down in the history of athletic
competition as an example of triumph in the face of adversity. I could
not be more pleased to be a fan, alumna, and Representative of The Ohio
State University and their championship football team.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Isakson). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) that the House suspend
the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 10.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________