[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 133 (Thursday, September 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 234--HONORING THE DETROIT SHOCK ON WINNING THE 
          WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

  Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Levin) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 234

       Whereas on September 16, 2003, the Detroit Shock won the 
     Women's National Basketball Association Championship by 
     defeating the 2-time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks, 
     83 to 78;
       Whereas the Shock won a league-best 25 games, a year after 
     losing a league-worst 23, becoming the first team in any 
     major sport since 1890 to finish first in the entire league 
     after finishing last the previous season;
       Whereas the enthusiasm and support for the Shock by the 
     people of Detroit and of Michigan was clearly demonstrated by 
     the fact that the final game was attended by a Women's 
     National Basketball Association (WNBA) record crowd of over 
     22,000 people;
       Whereas the Shock completed an incredible season with the 
     strong performances of Finals Most Valuable Player Ruth 
     Riley's career-high 27 points, Swin Cash's 13 points, 12 
     rebounds and 9 assists, and Deanna Nolan's 17 points;
       Whereas Cheryl Ford, the 2003 WNBA Rookie of the Year, 
     became the first rookie in league history to average more 
     than 10 points and 10 rebounds per game;
       Whereas Detroit Shock Head Coach Bill Laimbeer was named 
     2003 WNBA Coach of the Year after transforming the Shock into 
     the best team in the league in his first year as head coach;
       Whereas in honor of the Shock's championship, the Palace of 
     Auburn Hills is officially changing its address to Three 
     Championship Drive; and
       Whereas the Shock have demonstrated great strength, skill, 
     and perseverance during the 2003 season and have made the 
     entire State of Michigan proud: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the Detroit Shock on winning the 2003 
     Women's National Basketball Association Championship and 
     recognizes all the players, coaches, support staff, and fans 
     who were instrumental in this achievement; and
       (2) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an 
     enrolled copy of this resolution to the Detroit Shock for 
     appropriate display.

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