[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 23 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE UCSB GAUCHO MEN'S SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2005

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the UCSB 
Men's soccer team, following a spectacular 2004 season where they 
placed 2nd in the NCAA.
  The Gaucho Men's soccer team finished their remarkable season with a 
21-3-1 record. In addition, four players were honored on the 2004 NCAA 
Men's Soccer College Cup All-Tournament Team. Their season, as well as 
their performance in the NCAA Championship match, gives all UCSB 
students, faculty and Alumni something to be very proud of. During the 
final home matches, community members and students alike flocked to 
UCSB to support the Gaucho men. The talent of this team has certainly 
brought UCSB to the forefront of Men's soccer, proving again that UCSB 
should be known not only for its academics and physical beauty, but 
also for its many outstanding athletic programs.
  Mr. Speaker, raw talent and the ability to beat virtually any 
opponent are not the only attributes of this team, however. The Gaucho 
Men are also community volunteers, setting a positive example for their 
peers and for younger players in the Santa Barbara community. They 
recently participated in a fitness day at Santa Barbara City College, 
aimed at encouraging kids and adults alike to maintain healthy 
lifestyles. Many young people in the Santa Barbara community love to 
play soccer and being able to interact with the UCSB players is a 
wonderful opportunity. As a nurse, I understand firsthand the 
importance of encouraging our youth to get physically active. The 
Gaucho Men help to achieve this goal by mentoring young players and 
leading by positive example.
  I am so proud to represent the UCSB campus, and the Gaucho Men's 
soccer team has given me one more reason to boast to my colleagues that 
Santa Barbara truly is paradise.

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