[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NICK J. RAHALL, II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, a collective groan could be heard across the 
state of West Virginia in the waning hours of Thursday, March 23, 2006, 
as a last-second shot by the Texas Longhorns closed the doors on West 
Virginia University's impressive NCAA tournament run.
  But while our Mountaineers might have lost the game, it remains a 
``sweet ending'' for our heroes of the hard-court who, for the second 
year in a row, have our state swelling with pride.
  It is the first time West Virginia has won two games in consecutive 
NCAAs since superstar Jerry West, whose silhouette graces the NBA's 
logo, led it to the title game in 1959 and a regional semifinal the 
next year.
  Forward Mike Gansey, one of five seniors on the team, said about the 
distinction, ``I just hope we end up being one of the great and most 
popular teams in West Virginia history like they were.''
  I think it's pretty safe to say Mr. Gansey and the rest of the team's 
departing stars will get their wish.
  It will be a long time before any of us forget the hustle and heart 
of Gansey, the improbable three-point stroke of Martinsburg native 
Kevin Pittsnogle, the leadership and selfless play of J.D. Collins, the 
accomplishments on and off the court of Academic All-American Joe 
Herber, the sweet shot of Patrick Beilein.
  And we will always remember how all of these young men came together 
to achieve more than anyone expected, and how through sheer 
determination, teamwork and a ton of heart they became role models not 
just for a state, but for an entire nation.
  We will miss these five fine men on the basketball court, but will 
continue to follow the accomplishments of these unofficial West 
Virginia ambassadors as they are certain to go on to great things.
  Behind them, they leave big shoes to fill, but they also leave their 
legacy, a legacy that will be carried on by their teammates and by many 
in the years to come.

                          ____________________