[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 40 (Friday, March 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNITION OF PAT RICHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2004

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pat Richter and 
his incredible career as Athletic Director for the University of 
Wisconsin. After over fourteen years in that position, he is retiring 
on April 1, 2004.
  Pat Richter played basketball, football, and baseball during his 
college days at the University of Wisconsin, lettering three times in 
each. He also went on to a professional career in football, but it is 
his legacy as Athletic Director that will carry on for years to come. 
Badger fans will always be grateful for his successful efforts in 
turning around an athletic department that faced financial 
difficulties, out of date stadiums, and waning fan support. Today, the 
University of Wisconsin boasts an athletic program that has attained 
nationwide acclaim for success and innovation both in athletics and 
academics.
  Under Pat Richter's watch, the University of Wisconsin has built 
modern athletic facilities, including the Kohl Center, University Ridge 
Golf Course, the Fetzer Academic Learning Center, and the Goodman 
Softball Diamond. The University has also renovated the McClimon Track/
Soccer Complex, and recently began renovation of Camp Randall Stadium. 
Badger fans will be able to enjoy these facilities for generations to 
come.
  I am most proud of Pat Richter's efforts toward equality in the 
athletic department. In his fourteen year tenure, the University of 
Wisconsin has added three women's sports--softball, lightweight crew, 
and hockey. The University of Wisconsin now has a policy that strives 
to have a percentage of female athletes proportionate to the overall 
female population of students on campus.
  The success of Wisconsin athletics under Pat Richter has been 
phenomenal. The Badgers have won three national championships--men's 
hockey in 1989-90, men's rowing in 1989-90 and men's soccer in 1995-and 
a remarkable 49 Big Ten Championships. The football team has won three 
Rose Bowl games. The women's basketball teams have played in six NCAA 
tournaments, while the men's basketball team recently played in their 
seventh NCAA tournament in eight years, a remarkable run that also 
includes a trip to the Final Four by the 2000 team.
  Mr. Speaker, I join all of Wisconsin in recognizing Pat Richter's 
achievements as Athletic Director and we wish him much success.

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