[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY'S BASKETBALL TEAMS

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                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2007

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, there was certainly cause for 
celebration in eastern North Carolina over the weekend as Elizabeth 
City State University overcame seemingly long odds as the seventh 
seeded Vikings won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association 
(CIAA) men's basketball tournament and earned a trip to the NCAA 
Division II tournament. ECSU's 21-9 women's basketball team will also 
be heading to the NCAA Division II tournament as an at-large 
representative.
  The CIAA consists of 11 historically black colleges and universities. 
It was established in 1912 and the CIAA is the nation's oldest black 
athletic conference. It is a conference rich in history and heritage.
  The Vikings overcame perennial conference power and top-seed Virginia 
Union 63-60 after losing to them in double overtime a week before. It 
marked the first time that ECSU coach Shawn Waller, who was an all-
conference player at ECSU, beat VU as a coach or player.
  Led by third-year coach Tara Owns, the Lady Vikings enter the 
tournament after a strong regular season which ended with a tough loss 
in the conference finals.
  It is a great honor for me to recognize the success and achievements 
of these outstanding young men and women student-athletes, their head 
coaches, and members of their staff. Their hard work and dedication to 
teamwork is something we are all proud of in northeastern North 
Carolina. I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in paying tribute to 
Elizabeth City State University's basketball teams.

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