[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ON DIVISION II NATIONAL 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it gives me great pride to 
congratulate the Grand Valley State University football team on winning 
the Division II National Championship. This is the Lakers' third 
championship in the past 4 years, and it crowns a perfect 13-to-0 
season. I particularly salute the Lakers' coach, Chuck Martin, who is 
in his second season with the team.
  The Lakers' championship victory came in a game that was thrilling to 
the end. After finishing the first half down 14-to-7, the Lakers fought 
back against Northwest Missouri State. A stunning 82-yard scoring drive 
in the fourth quarter gave the Lakers their first lead of the game with 
just over 4 minutes left to play. Northwest Missouri mounted an 
impressive drive of its own, but the Lakers' defense stopped the 
Bearcats at the 4-yard line as time expired. In this stirring finish, 
the Lakers showed the skill and poise of true national champions.
  Grand Valley is now one of only three schools, including North Dakota 
State and North Alabama, that have won three or more Division II 
National Championships in football. And the seniors on the Laker team 
have tied the NCAA record for the most wins in a 4-year period.
  Winning is becoming a tradition at Grand Valley. The volleyball team 
recently won the Division II championship. The water polo team won a 
national club title in November. And Mandi Long-Zemba recently won the 
Division II individual cross-country title as the cross-country team 
placed second overall.
  Congratulations to all of the magnificent athletes at Grand Valley 
State University on a tremendous year, and best of luck for continued 
success. Go Lakers.

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