[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 44 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY ``HAWKS'' FOR AN OUTSTANDING NCAA 
                                 EFFORT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the outstanding 
achievement of the Monmouth University ``Hawks'' this year in becoming 
the first men's basketball team in the college's history to win a 
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament game.
  This accomplishment also gives me the opportunity to highlight 
Monmouth University--an educational institution that has experienced 
dramatic growth in recent years, enticing students from across the 
country and around the world to take advantage of its innovative 
academic programs.
  The Hawk's trip to the NCAA was launched on March 8 when they 
defeated Fairleigh Dickinson and won the college's fourth Northeast 
Conference Tournament and an invitation to the NCAA Tournament. The 
Hawk's then were assigned to play their televised, 2006 NCAA Opening 
Round play-in game against Hampton, which had won the Mid-East Athletic 
Conference tournament championship.
  As recounted by Ed Occhipinti, sports editor of the school paper, ``A 
textbook display of motion offense, backdoor cuts, accurate long-
distance shooting and a stifling match-up zone defense led to a 
dominant 71-49 win over Hampton. The country now knew what Hawks fans 
have known for years: their brand of basketball is effective, even if 
it lacks high-flying, show-time appeal and flair.''
  A few days later, the Hawks, as the No. 16 seed, faced a monumental 
challenge from Villanova, the Number 1 seed in the NCAA tournament's 
Minneapolis region. Even though the Hawks were able to cut Villanova's 
lead to seven points in the last four minutes of the game, it was not 
enough to overcome Villanova's legendary powerhouse team. While the 
Hawks lost by a score of 58-45, they certainly achieved new levels of 
national recognition and respect for their performance.
  CBS announcer Jim Nantz, as quoted in the school paper ``Outlook,'' 
stated: ``The effort of Monmouth is what makes March Madness what it 
is. (Coach) Dave Calloway did a tremendous job, and for the kids 
themselves, there was a dream. Today was a special day for Monmouth, 
teams like that are what give the tournament its charm.''
  The players and coaching staff, under the direction of Dave Calloway, 
as well as the entire university community, are to be heartily 
congratulated for this great performance.

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