[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 41 (Tuesday, April 4, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              GATOR NATION

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University of 
Florida's first-ever men's basketball national championship. Coach 
Billy Donovan and his young, explosive team beat UCLA, one of the most 
storied college basketball programs ever, 73-57. The Gators took the 
lead in the very beginning and never looked back.
  Truly a testament to the power of youth, the Gators were led by four 
sophomores and one junior. Coach Donovan himself became the second 
youngest coach to win a national title. In addition, he is now one of 
three people to coach a national champion and play in a Final Four.
  Florida is now one of only seven schools to win a national 
championship in football and basketball. While the University of 
Florida has had a reputation as a football school, this championship 
proves that Gator basketball has arrived.
  I congratulate the University of Florida on their victory. It is 
great to be a Florida Gator.

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