[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO 2003 NCAA CHAMPIONS SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2003

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Syracuse University 
Orangemen. Last night, Syracuse laid claim to the school's first 
Division I Basketball National Championship after defeating the 
University of Kansas, 81-78. In addition to the players and coaching 
staff, many deserve recognition, including school administrators, 
faculty, staff, alumni, students, and one of the most loyal fan bases 
in all of collegiate athletics.
  Mr. Speaker, as you may know, Syracuse has been to the Final Four 
before. Last night's championship game proved for Head Coach Jim 
Boeheim that the third time was the right time as his Orangemen came 
full circle to defeat a national powerhouse in the Louisiana Superdome, 
avenging a heartbreaking 1987 loss to Indiana in the same facility. 
Preparing for a championship match up against a senior-led Kansas team 
is not an easy task. Jim deserves much credit for his young team's 
outstanding determination and accomplishment.
  Knowing Coach Boeheim personally, I would like to congratulate him 
here on the House floor. He is Syracuse basketball. Coaching his alma 
mater for twenty-seven years and being part of Syracuse basketball for 
more than half his life, this championship is deserved not only for all 
of Syracuse's supporters and community but for the coach himself. Also 
deserving praise this afternoon is Head Assistant Coach Bernie Fine and 
the rest of the Syracuse coaching staff.
  Syracuse's championship team was led by Final Four MOP, freshman 
Carmelo Anthony, with outstanding support from Gerry McNamara, Billy 
Edelin, Kueth Duany, Hakim Warrick, Craig Forth, Jeremy McNeil, and 
Josh Pace. This young team demonstrated poise, presence, and pride in 
their performance throughout the tournament and all season long.
  The Orangemen's win last night certifies that Syracuse is a national 
college basketball powerhouse. Congratulations to the entire Syracuse 
University community. We are proud of you.

                          ____________________