[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 166 (Tuesday, December 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S14165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING THE CARROLL COLLEGE FIGHTING SAINTS

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to express a little hometown 
pride.
  Last Saturday, I had the great opportunity to watch history in the 
making in Savannah, TN, as the Carroll College Fighting Saints from 
Helena, MT, marched to victory over the St. Francis Cougars from Fort 
Wayne, ID.
  Carroll College is a private, Catholic college in my hometown of 
Helena, MT. Carroll is home to 1,500 students and enjoys a host of 
outstanding accomplishments in its nationally award-winning academic 
and pre-professional programs. Carroll is especially known for its 
flagship pre-medical, engineering and nursing programs.
  The Carroll Talking Saints Forensics Team is ranked in the top five 
in the Nation and has reigned as Northwest Regional Champions for the 
past 15 years. It is a small school, with a huge record of 
accomplishment.
  The Carroll College Fighting Saints are the only team on any level of 
college football in the modern era to win four national titles in a 
row.
  They only gave up 9 points per game this season, adding to their 
outstanding national accomplishments.
  Led by Tyler Emmer, who claimed the NAIA player of the year for the 
second time, the Saints offensive attack has piled up impressive 
numbers this season. The Saints can stretch the field with long passes 
or they can use their short passing game to keep the chains moving, as 
they did last Saturday.
  It was wonderful to be there and watch, as the PA kept saying, ``Move 
those chains, move those chains,'' as Carroll kept scoring on the first 
down.
  Emmert has thrown for 3,039 yards and 33 touchdowns this season. He 
owns a career record of 50-to-3 wins as a starter for the Saints. 
Emmert and his teammate Jeff Shirley were named Frontier Conference 
Players of the Year. A class act, Tyler is the first to credit his 
teammates for his success.
  To win Saturday, putting the Carroll College Fighting Saints in the 
record book, is more than just about football. It is about hard work, 
dedication, competitiveness, leadership, friendship, and family.
  In his 7-year career at Carroll, head coach Mike Van Diest led his 
team to four national championships. Mike again was named Frontier 
Conference Coach of the Year. He is a class act.
  Working tirelessly to inspire these young athletes, Mike has created 
more than a championship football team. He has taught them the value of 
a quality education, the strength of teamwork, and the importance of 
giving back to the community and those in need. Coach Van Diest defines 
what it is to be a true Montanan. I commend him for setting such high 
standards for all of us.
  Also, congratulations go to Carroll College athletic director Bruce 
Parker and his staff.
  I recognize Carroll College President Tom Trebon for his leadership 
and commitment to Carroll College.
  Finally, I want to commend my good friend from Indiana, Senator Evan 
Bayh. The Senator and I had a little wager on the game. We went double 
or nothing on a bet from last year--Montana-brewed beer against 
Indiana-grown popcorn. I look forward to the popcorn. We appreciate the 
Senator being such a good sport.
  Carroll College is more than a 4-year experience; it is for life. As 
the 17 senior players complete their football careers, they begin 
life's journey more equipped to meet the challenges of their new lives. 
I am confident the Saints will continue to march on to many more 
victories. They are a wonderful bunch of guys and gals at Carroll 
College, a great team, a great coach. I was there Saturday to watch the 
game. I was so pleased to be part of the Carroll family, and I cannot 
commend all of them enough for what they do in the best sense of the 
term, all the values that mean so much to basic America. I thank 
Carroll College for what you do.
  I yield the floor.

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