[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 9, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO UNDEFEATED AUBURN UNIVERSITY TIGERS

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
undefeated 2004 Auburn University football team. The Auburn Tigers went 
13-0 this season winning both the Southeastern Conference Championships 
and the Nokia Sugar Bowl. They finished the season tied for the best 
record in the land and, in my opinion, made a strong case for a 
national championship.
  The Auburn Tigers finished the season ranked first in the Nation in 
scoring defense and fifth in the Nation in total defense. They also won 
four games over Associated Press top 10 teams--the most of any Division 
I team during the 2004 season.
  While many Auburn players and coaches received individual accolades 
throughout the season, I believe that their dedication to extraordinary 
teamwork is an enduring tribute more impressive than any trophy or 
award. Saturday after Saturday, this team came prepared to play their 
hearts out and leave it all on the field. As the weeks passed, it 
became apparent to anyone watching that their efforts were more about a 
team, a brotherhood, and a community focused on victory than on 
individual accomplishments. The dedication, hard work, and focus of 
these players and their coaches are undeniable.
  Individually, Auburn's players accomplished great things. Four Auburn 
players earned All-America honors: offensive tackle Marcus McNeill, 
defensive back Carlos Rogers, safety Junior Rosegreen, and running back 
Carnell Williams. Two freshmen, Stanley McClover and Quenton Groves, 
earned Freshman All-America honors, and Carlos Rogers won the Jim 
Thorpe Award, which is presented to the Nation's top defensive back. 
Senior quarterback Jason Campbell won the most valuable player award 
for the Sugar Bowl and the Southeastern Conference Championship game; 
while also garnering SEC offensive player of the year and SEC player of 
the year honors as well as Most Valuable Player of the South squad in 
the 2005 Senior Bowl.
  I believe it is important to emphasize that the young men who make up 
this outstanding Auburn football team understand that they are students 
first, and then athletes. The academic focus of these players is 
exemplified by the fact that 9 of the 18 seniors playing in the Sugar 
Bowl had already earned their bachelor's degrees and 17 players made 
the Southeastern Conference Academic honor roll. I commend the players 
and coaches for ensuring that academic achievement is not sacrificed 
for athletic success.
  Auburn's head coach Tommy Tuberville is to be commended for his 
achievements as well. Coach Tuberville was the recipient of six Coach 
of the Year awards including the Associated Press, Paul ``Bear'' 
Bryant, American Football Coaches Association, Schutt Sports, Walker 
Camp, and Southeastern Conference awards.
  I join Auburn fans across the country in recognizing their 
accomplishments, honoring their achievements and praising their 
teamwork. I am proud of their outstanding record and am inspired by 
their ability to overcome adversity to achieve success. The Auburn 
University Tigers showed football fans everywhere what it means to play 
as a team.

                          ____________________