[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GATORS FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2007

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
University of Florida football team on winning the 2006 NCAA national 
championship.
  Madam Speaker, as a University of Florida graduate, born in ``Gator 
Country,'' I could not be happier with the outcome of last night's 
game. This team showed true grit and grace by overcoming public 
opinion, which said they did not belong in the national title game, to 
defeat a daunting opponent.
  Madam Speaker, I would also like to congratulate the University of 
Florida as a whole for becoming the first institution in Division 1 
history to hold both the NCAA Men's Basketball and NCAA Football 
Championships at the same time. Last night's achievement was truly 
historic.
  Madam Speaker, it took the University of Florida 90 years to win its 
first NCAA Football Championship and only 10 to win its second. 
Hopefully this trend will continue.
  Madam Speaker, I hope everyone will join me in congratulating these 
fine young men on their historic victory.

                          ____________________