[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 21, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14336-S14337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 346--COMMENDING THE APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY 
    FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2005 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC 
            ASSOCIATION DIVISION I-AA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

  Mr. BURR (for himself and Mrs. Dole) submitted the following 
resolution; which was submitted and read:

                              S. Res. 346

       Whereas on December 16, 2005, the Appalachian State 
     Mountaineers defeated the Northern Iowa Panthers in the 
     Championship game of the National Collegiate Athletic 
     Association (``NCAA'') Division I-AA Football Tournament in 
     Chattanooga, Tennessee;
       Whereas the Mountaineers are the first team from 
     Appalachian State to win a NCAA Championship in school 
     history;
       Whereas Appalachian State is the first university in the 
     State of North Carolina to win a NCAA football championship;
       Whereas head coach Jerry Moore, the all-time winningest 
     coach in Southern Conference history, won his first NCAA 
     title in his seventeenth year as head coach of the 
     Mountaineers, improving to 140-67 his record as head coach at 
     Appalachian State;
       Whereas defensive ends Marques Murrell and Jason Hunter, as 
     well as safety Corey Lynch, were named to the I-AA All 
     America team;
       Whereas junior defensive end Marques Murrell, who finished 
     the game with 9 tackles and forced a fumble with 9 minutes, 
     14 seconds remaining in the game, and senior Jason Hunter, 
     who finished the game with ten tackles, returned it for the 
     winning touchdown;
       Whereas injured senior quarterback and Southern Conference 
     Offensive Player of the Year Richie Williams courageously led 
     the Mountaineers in the second half while playing with an 
     injured ankle tendon;
       Whereas the Mountaineer defense held the Panthers scoreless 
     in the second half;
       Whereas backup quarterback Trey Elder led Appalachian State 
     to a 29-23 victory over Furman University to earn a spot in 
     the final contest;
       Whereas the Mountaineers defeated Lehigh University and 
     Southern Illinois to advance to the I-AA ``Final Four'';
       Whereas the Mountaineer team members are excellent 
     representatives of a fine university that is a leader in 
     higher education, producing many fine student-athletes and 
     other leaders;
       Whereas each player, coach, trainer, manager, and staff 
     member dedicated this season and their efforts to ensure the 
     Appalachian State University Mountaineers reached the summit 
     of college football;
       Whereas the Mountaineers showed tremendous dedication to 
     each other, appreciation to their fans, sportsmanship to 
     their opponents, and respect for the game of football 
     throughout the 2005 season; and
       Whereas residents of the Old North State and Appalachian 
     fans worldwide are to be commended for their long-standing 
     support, perseverance, and pride in the team: Now, therefore, 
     be it
         Resolved, That the Senate--
         (1) commends the champion Appalachian State University 
     Mountaineers for their historic win in the 2005 National 
     Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA Football 
     Championship;

[[Page S14337]]

         (2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, 
     students, alumni, and support staff who were instrumental in 
     helping Appalachian State University win the championship; 
     and
         (3) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a 
     copy of this resolution to Appalachian State University 
     Chancellor Kenneth Peacock and head coach Jerry Moore for 
     appropriate display.

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