[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H105-H106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY FOR WINNING 2002 NATIONAL
COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION I-AA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 17) honoring the Hilltoppers of Western
Kentucky University from Bowling Green, Kentucky, for winning the 2002
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA football
championship.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 17
Whereas the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers from
Bowling Green, Kentucky, won the 2002 NCAA Division I-AA
collegiate football national championship;
[[Page H106]]
Whereas the national championship is the first for the
Western Kentucky University football program since its
inception in 1913;
Whereas the Hilltoppers had an impressive overall record of
12 wins and 3 losses during the 2002 season, which included
10 consecutive wins;
Whereas the Hilltoppers showed tremendous dedication to
each other, appreciation to their fans, sportsmanship to
their opponents, and respect for the game of football
throughout their 2002 season;
Whereas Western Kentucky University was represented with
integrity and principled leadership under the direction of
Head Football Coach Jack Harbaugh, Athletic Director Dr. Wood
Selig, and President Dr. Gary A. Ransdell; and
Whereas on December 20, 2002, the Western Kentucky
University Hilltoppers, ranked 15th among Division I-AA
teams, defeated the top-ranked McNeese State University
Cowboys for the 2002 NCAA Division I-AA football championship
in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by a score of 34-14: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the
Western Kentucky University football team from Bowling Green,
Kentucky, for winning the 2002 NCAA Division I-AA football
championship.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Woolsey) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).
General Leave
Mr. HOEKSTRA. 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. 17.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis).
Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, with Western Kentucky University's recent success on the
basketball court and the Hilltoppers' first NCAA championship on the
football field in 2002, Kentucky is now home to yet another top-ranked
college sports program. I am proud to have Western Kentucky University
in my district.
We were not in session on December 20 when Western Kentucky won its
first Division I-AA football championship, but I wanted to take this
opportunity in this session of Congress to acknowledge the team's
achievements.
The 15th ranked Hilltoppers defeated top-ranked McNeese State 34-14
in the championship game. Western brought their best game to the
playoffs and the championship, defeating the three highest ranked teams
on their way to taking the title.
Just as they had all season, the Toppers again relied on their tough
defense and strong running game. Jon Frazier rushed for 159 yards and
two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 1,537 yards and moving him
into second place in Western's running records. The defense combined
for three interceptions and a sack, holding McNeese State below its
season scoring average.
In his 14th year at Western Kentucky, Coach Jack Harbaugh saw his and
the team's hard work finally pay off. Coach Harbaugh has been committed
to the Western football program and has built a successful program that
the University, the Bowling Green community and the State should be
proud of.
After starting the season with a 2-3 record, including a loss to
McNeese State, the Hilltoppers relied on their teamwork and dedication
to win 10 straight games, finishing the season with the national
championship.
Mr. Speaker, I join Western Kentucky University and all of Bowling
Green in congratulating the Hilltopper football team on its national
championship season.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 17 congratulating
the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky for winning the 2002 Division I-AA
national football championship. It is quite an achievement to win a
national championship at any college level, and this championship is
even more noteworthy due to the fact that it is Western Kentucky's
first national championship since 1913.
Student athletes split their time between their athletic and academic
pursuits. The student athletes that make up this year's national
championship Hilltoppers' team must be commended because they did such
a good job for their dual pursuit. I want to especially congratulate
them for all their hard work, and also extend my hardy congratulations
to head coach Jack Harbaugh for a great season and great win.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Res. 17 honoring the
Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University from Bowling Green, Kentucky
for winning the 2002 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division
I-AA football championship.
I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr.
Lewis), for sponsoring this resolution and congratulate the gentleman
for the success this school has had from his district and for his
opportunity to represent them in Washington, D.C.
Today the House has recognized the outstanding athletic
accomplishment of our Nation's young people. These championships are a
testament to the spirit of athletic competition; and, frankly, they are
enormous fun to watch. I congratulate all of the athletes and schools
who have participated in collegiate athletics, and express my specific
congratulations to Western Kentucky University.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 17.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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