[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I am pleased today to recognize the success 
of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association as they tip off 
their 60th Men's Basketball Tournament this week.
  The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, CIAA, is an 
athletic conference consisting of 12 historically African-American 
institutions of higher education, including: Bowie State University, 
Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson 
C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina Central 
University, St. Augustine's College, St. Paul's College, Shaw 
University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and 
Winston-Salem State University.
  Established in 1912, the CIAA is the Nation's oldest black athletic 
conference, rich in history and heritage. The conference is entering 
its 85th year of athletic competition in which they have reaped 
continued success and recognition on the field and the court. The CIAA 
is a premiere member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, 
NCAA, Division II and the reputation of their athletic programs, in 
conjunction with the academic success of their athletes, is a proud 
legacy for the conference.
  The CIAA basketball tournament began humbly in Washington, DC in 1946 
and has grown into one of the largest, most prestigious and long-
tenured sporting traditions in America, particularly in the South. 
Started by a group of visionaries led by legendary coach John 
McClendon, the tournament has come to showcase dynamic basketball that 
has produced the likes of past NBA stars Earl Monroe, Bobby Dandridge, 
Charles Oakley, Rick Mahorn and current NBA star Ronald Murray of the 
Seattle Supersonics. The weeklong affair draws a host of national 
celebrities and dignitaries for a variety of activities and events. The 
tournament festivities serve as a sort of homecoming for students, fans 
and alumni of the conference. In 2004, the tournament drew over 100,000 
fans to Raleigh, NC, making it the third largest basketball tournament 
in the nation, regardless of division.
  As a former collegiate athlete, I understand the difficulties faced 
by institutions of higher education in planning and supporting athletic 
tournaments. I congratulate the Central Intercollegiate Athletic 
Association on its rich and sustained history of superb college 
athletics. The celebration of this 60th Anniversary Basketball 
Tournament represents a remarkable achievement for those who have 
worked tirelessly over the past decades to ensure its longevity. I wish 
the conference and its annual tournament continued success.

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