[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 80 (Thursday, June 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 175--COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SOFTBALL 
TEAM FOR WINNING THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION 
                     I CHAMPIONSHIP ON JUNE 8, 2005

  Mr. LEVIN (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 175

       Whereas the top-ranked University of Michigan softball team 
     defeated the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) 
     Bruins in the Women's College World Series 2 games to 1, 
     becoming only the eighth team to win the National Collegiate 
     Athletic Association (NCAA) Softball Championship and the 
     first Big Ten Conference team to claim a national title in 
     softball or baseball since 1966;
       Whereas the University of Michigan softball team clinched 
     the 2005 Women's College World Series in an exciting extra-
     innings game with a 3-run homer in the 10th inning to win 4 
     to 1;
       Whereas the University of Michigan softball team hit a home 
     run in 57 of 65 games during the 2005 season and is just 1 of 
     3 schools in NCAA history to hit 100 home runs in a season;
       Whereas in 2005, the University of Michigan softball team 
     earned its first Number 1 ranking in school history and won 
     its tenth Big Ten Conference championship and seventh Big Ten 
     Tournament title en route to advancing to its eighth Women's 
     College World Series;
       Whereas the NCAA championship title marks the 52nd national 
     championship for a sports program at the University of 
     Michigan, the second for a women's athletic program at 
     Michigan, and the first for a softball program east of the 
     Mississippi River;
       Whereas the University of Michigan softball team mounted an 
     impressive season record of 65 wins and 7 losses;
       Whereas Coach Carol Hutchins eclipsed the 900 win mark, 
     capping a stellar 21 year career at Michigan that has seen 
     her become the most victorious coach in University of 
     Michigan history, currently ranking among the top 10 Division 
     I active coaches, with 940 career wins and a .729 winning 
     percentage;
       Whereas 2 University of Michigan softball players, 
     shortstop Jessica Merchant and pitcher Jennie Ritter, were 
     finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year 
     Award;
       Whereas a record-tying 8 players from the University of 
     Michigan softball team were named to the Big Ten All-
     Conference Team, and 6 players were named to the Spring 2005 
     Academic All-Big Ten Conference Team;
       Whereas the University of Michigan softball team was led by 
     the solid coaching of Carol Hutchins, Bonnie Tholl, Jennifer 
     Brundage, and Jennifer Teague;
       Whereas players on the University of Michigan softball team 
     included Stephanie Bercaw, Angie Danis, Samantha Findlay, 
     Alessandra Giampaolo, Tiffany Haas, Lauren Holland, Jennifer 
     Kreinbrink, Grace Leutele, Becky Marx, Jessica Merchant, 
     Rebekah Milian, Nicole Motycka, Jennie Ritter, Lauren Talbot, 
     Michelle Teschler, Michelle Weatherdon, Lorilyn Wilson, 
     Stephanie Winter, and Tiffany Worthy; and
       Whereas Michigan had tremendous support from its hometown 
     fans during their season, setting a home attendance record in 
     2005, and bringing in the 5 largest crowds in program 
     history: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends the University of Michigan softball team for 
     winning the 2005 National Collegiate Athletic Association 
     Division I Championship on June 8, 2005;
       (2) recognizes all of the players and coaches who were 
     instrumental in this achievement; and
       (3) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an 
     enrolled copy of this resolution to the University of 
     Michigan athletic department for appropriate display.

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