[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 41 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              NCAA DIVISION III MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPION

 Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
congratulate the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point men's basketball 
team for their second straight NCAA Division III national championship. 
The Pointers capped off a dominating run through the tournament with 
their victory over Rochester University in the championship game. With 
the victory, the Pointers become just the third team in NCAA Division 
III history to win back to back titles. The championship game was also 
a milestone for Head Coach Jack Bennett, who earned his 200th career 
victory with the win and has since been selected as the Basketball 
Times Coach of the Year.
  The Pointers posted a terrific 29-3 record this season, winning many 
of their games by wide margins and tying the school record for wins in 
a season set last year. The Pointers had the stingiest defense in the 
Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this season, allowing 
just over 56 points a game. They also outscored their opponents by an 
overwhelming average of 17 points per game. Stevens Point led their 
conference in many statistical categories, including three-point and 
overall shooting percentage and assists. Their tough play throughout 
the season earned them a share of the conference championship. The 
Pointers also won their second straight WIAC Tournament title.
  A talented roster of student-athletes, led by All-American Nick 
Bennett and Division III Men's Basketball Player of the Year Jason 
Kalsow, played unselfishly and always with passion. Members of the 
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point men's basketball team that fought 
hard for the championship include senior Tamaris Relerford from Beloit, 
WI; freshman Shawn Lee from Marshfield, WI; sophomore Brett Hirsch from 
Menomonee Falls, WI; freshman Brad Kalsow from Huntley, IL; freshman 
Steve Hicklin from Sussex, WI; senior Kyle Grusczynski from Seymour, 
WI; sophomore Cory Krautkramer from Cameron, WI; sophomore Jon Krull 
from Marshall, WI; junior Matt Bouche from Dane, WI; junior Brian Bauer 
from Auburndale, WI; junior Mike Prey from Shawano, WI; senior Eric 
Maus from Green Bay, WI; freshman Gbena Awe from Milwaukee, WI; 
freshman Tyler Doyle from Appleton, WI; freshman Matt Atkinson from 
Suamico, WI; senior John Gleich from Wheaton, IL; and freshman Zach 
Leahy from Hartland, WI. Many of these champions are volunteers in the 
community at basketball camps and with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. 
They are also students dedicated to academics as well as to basketball.
  The team's competitive spirit is an inspiration to youngsters in 
Wisconsin. When March Madness is in the air, Division III may not 
always be in the spotlight. But the Pointers' second straight national 
championship is a trophy all Wisconsinites are proud of. Their victory 
is a substantial part of the incredible postseason for Wisconsin 
college basketball teams.

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