[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING VINCE YOUNG AND HIS 2005 ROSE BOWL VICTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2006

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Vince Young on 
leading the University of Texas Longhorns to their 2005 Rose Bowl 
Victory.
  Vince is a fellow Houstonian who has successfully overcome numerous 
obstacles to the success that he now enjoys. As a young child, he was 
hurt in a horrible accident that left his body battered and bruised. 
Vince worked tirelessly to recuperate with a tenacity not often 
demonstrated by 7-seven-year old children and, with the help of his 
mother and his grandmother, he recovered. Under the guidance of his 
family, Vince also fought his way through the difficulties and 
temptations that so many young people must face in today's world.
  As a student at James Madison High School in Houston, Vince 
demonstrated a natural athletic prowess. His stellar performance as a 
high school quarterback earned him the attention of universities 
nationwide. Vince chose to attend the University of Texas at Austin, an 
institution known for academic excellence and a tradition of athletic 
achievement. There, he triumphed as a student-athlete. In 2003, he 
became the starting quarterback for the Longhorns and began a college 
football career that was certainly meant for the record books. As a 
starter, Vince garnered the best win record in the University of Texas' 
history, which consists of 29 wins and only 2 losses, the sixth best 
winning percentage in NCAA history.
  During the 2005 season, Vince's strength, accuracy, agility, and 
speed led the Longhorns to an undefeated season and a Big 12 
Championship. His outstanding performance earned him nationwide 
accolades and culminated in a stunning victory over the USC Trojans at 
the 2005 NCAA Championship game. Under Vince's leadership, the talented 
team earned the University of Texas its first national title since 
1970.
  Vince's trademark is his versatility, which is expressed both on and 
off the football field. Throughout his college career, he was heavily 
involved in community service activities. His particular interest in 
assisting youth has been demonstrated through his mentorship of 
elementary and middle school students, his performance as a student-
teacher and mentor for middle school math and science students through 
the LEAP, Learn, Enjoy and Play, Program, and his volunteer activities 
at the Austin YMCA. Vince has also served as a speaker at several youth 
organizations in Austin and is active in community service projects 
through his church.
  In a State where football players at all levels are often treated as 
royalty and who, at times, come to expect indulgences that others are 
denied, Vince has consistently demonstrated a depth of character to 
which all young people should aspire. He is a charismatic leader who 
has set a tremendous example for all of us and who has shown that hard-
work, dedication, and heart are a recipe for success.
  I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Vince for his 
victorious Rose Bowl performance. But more importantly, I would like to 
express my thanks to him for representing the city of Houston with such 
class. I wish him continued success as he grows both as a football 
player and a man.

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