[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E502-E503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING CANISIUS COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Canisius 
College Golden Griffens Women's Basketball Team on winning the 2005 
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament on March 7, 2005. 
Their win over Marist College gives the ``Griffs'' its first-ever MAAC 
Championship and their first bid to the Division I NCAA Tournament.
  The ``Griffs'' have had a truly remarkable season. After narrowly 
missing out on the MAAC Championship last season, Canisius capped their 
first 20-win season with a nail-biter in the MAAC Championship game. 
Their victory, like their entire season, was exemplified by a total-
team effort. In the biggest game of her career, Becky Zak scored 12 
points, three assists and two steals, and was named the tournament's 
Most Valuable Player. Megan Lyte tallied 10 points and 11 rebounds, her 
seventh double-double of the season, and Jessie Lamparski registered 11 
points, six boards, five assists and three steals. Jessica Steeves 
posted eight points, five rebounds and a blocked shot en route to 
joining Zak on the all-tournament accolades.
  The accomplishment of the Canisius College Golden Griffins Women's 
Basketball team demonstrates the profound impact that Title IX has had 
on increasing opportunities in sports for women and girls. Title IX, 
part of the Education Amendments of 1972, required that public schools 
and colleges provide equal educational and athletic opportunities for 
girls and women. It has unquestionably been a tremendous factor in the 
lives of the talented members of this team.
  It is important for girls and women to have every opportunity to 
succeed, especially when it comes to athletics. That is why I have 
introduced H.R. 595, the High School Athletics Accountability Act. This 
bill will require schools to report to the Department of Education 
basic data on the number of female and male students in their athletic 
programs and the expenditures made for their sports teams. Currently, 
high schools are not required to disclose any data on equity in sports, 
making it difficult for schools and parents to ensure fairness in 
athletics programs. Better information can help high schools and 
parents of schoolchildren foster fairness in athletic opportunities for 
girls and boys.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot be prouder of the Canisius Women's Basketball 
team. I especially want to applaud coach Terry Zeh. As a first year 
coach, he demands accountability from his players both on and off the 
court, and is a strong role model for the entire college community. I 
wish to also commend college president Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., the 
coaching staff and players, and the student body for this Championship 
season. These women continue to be role models for young girls, and 
their wonderful accomplishment will inspire more girls to increase 
participation in athletics. I will be eagerly watching the team's first 
round game in the NCAA tournament as they proudly represent Canisius 
College on the national stage.

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