[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING COACH CEAL BARRY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Coach Ceal 
Barry of the University of Colorado Women's Basketball Team. On 
February 24, 2004, in a decisive 75-56 victory over Kansas, Coach Ceal 
Barry distinguished herself and her team as one of the highest placed 
coaches in Division I history--winning her 500th game.
  This is Coach Barry's 21st season with the University of Colorado. 
The mainstream popularity of women's basketball has certainly grown 
over the past couple of decades. But those of us who are fans of 
women's basketball have long known that when folks talk about the game, 
they are more often than not talking about Ceal Barry's Lady Buffs.
  A generation of female athletes has grown up admiring the CU women's 
basketball team. The success of the Lady Buffs has served as an 
inspiration and a source of pride for athletes throughout Colorado. 
With Coach Barry at the helm, the Buffs have secured four league titles 
and five conference tournament wins. Her Lady Buffs have made 10 
appearances in the NCAA tournament, five trips to the Sweet 16 and 
three journeys to the Elite Eight.
  Coach Barry demands that her players develop strength of character 
both on and off the court. She certainly walks her talk in this regard. 
Her players consistently meet high academic standards that can be held 
up against any program in college sports. It is a testament to this 
expectation that in all of the years that Barry has coached at CU, all 
but one player who stayed until her senior year has graduated. She 
builds her players up by setting high expectations and tolerating 
nothing less. She has said that she holds the belief that ``people 
build confidence through results,'' meaning you not only get strong to 
prepare for success, but that it is only through success that you 
ultimately believe in your strength.
  I have had the opportunity to know Coach Barry through the years and 
certainly consider Ceal to be a friend. Not long ago, I was partnered 
with Ceal against another twosome in a round of golf. I can honestly 
say that I have first hand knowledge of the motivating power that this 
fierce competitor inspires. Suffice it to say, I quickly fell in line 
with the obvious if not stated expectation that I bring my best 
possible game. And this was a ``friendly'' round of golf.
  So I congratulate you, Ceal, on your 500th win, but I cannot say that 
I am surprised. Your talent, vision and leadership are undeniable. You 
and your Lady Buffs are a source of pride for women's basketball, for 
CU and for all of Colorado. Colorado salutes you. Well done, coach. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Coach Ceal Barry on this 
laudable achievement. I wish you continued success in the future.

                          ____________________