[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H4228-H4230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GATORS FOR THEIR HISTORIC WIN IN
THE 2007 NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 298) to commend the University of
Florida Gators for their historic win in the 2007 National Collegiate
Athletic Association Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 298
Whereas, on April 2, 2007, the University of Florida Gators
defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 84-75 in the final game of
the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in Atlanta,
Georgia;
Whereas the Gators' became the first team since 1991-92 to
win back-to-back national titles and just the 7th school ever
to be repeat champions;
Whereas the Gators became the first team ever to repeat as
champions with the same starting lineup;
Whereas Florida's overall athletic program has proven to be
one of the best in the Nation, now having won 21 national
champions in all sports combined;
Whereas the University of Florida remains the only program
to hold both football and men's basketball championships at
the same time and the first school in NCAA history to hold
both the basketball and football championship titles in the
same calendar year;
Whereas the Gators' head basketball coach Billy Donovan
became the 12th coach to win multiple men's basketball
championships and one of four active coaches to win multiple
titles;
Whereas Donovan became the third youngest coach to win more
than one NCAA title;
Whereas the Gators finished their season with an impressive
record of 35-5, including
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winning the final 10 games of the season, and have an 18-game
win streak in the post-season, including sweeps at the
Southeastern Conference tournaments the last two years and
12-0 in the NCAA Tournament;
Whereas the Gators contributed Corey Brewer, Al Horford,
and Lee Humphrey to the All Tournament Team, joining Greg
Oden and Mike Conley, Jr., of Ohio State;
Whereas each player, coach, trainer, manager, and staff
member of the University of Florida Gators dedicated this
season and their efforts to the common goal of repeating as
NCAA men's basketball champions;
Whereas the Gators' players, coaches, and everyone
associated with the men's basketball team represent the
University and the State of Florida with exemplary
sportsmanship and competitiveness; and
Whereas residents of Florida and Gator fans worldwide are
to be commended for their longstanding support, perseverance,
and pride in the team: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends the University of Florida Gators for their
historic win in the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic
Association Division I Men's Basketball Tournament;
(2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches,
students, and support staff who were instrumental in the
Gators' victory; and
(3) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
transmit a copy of this resolution to University of Florida
President J. Bernard Machen and head coach Billy Donovan for
appropriate display.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
New York (Mrs. McCarthy) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr.
Platts) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.
General Leave
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative
days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 298
into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
(Mrs. McCARTHY of New York asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank
Congressman Stearns for introducing this resolution. I rise in support
of House Resolution 298, a bill to commend the University of Florida
Gators for their historical win in the 2007 NCAA Division I Men's
Basketball Tournament.
On April 22 the Florida Gators defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 84-75
in the final game of the Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in
Atlanta, Georgia. The Gators became the first team since 1992 to win
back-to-back national titles and just the seventh school ever to be
repeat champions.
They were also the first team in history to complete this feat with
the same starting lineup. The University of Florida's athletic program
has proven to be one of the best in the Nation, now having won 21
national championships in all sports combined. They are the only
program to hold both football and men's basketball championships at the
same time, and the first school in NCAA history to hold both the
basketball and football championship titles in the same calendar year.
The Gators' basketball team was led by their great coach, Billy
Donovan, who became the 12th coach to win multiple basketball
championships and one of four active coaches to win multiple titles. On
top of that, Donovan became the third youngest coach to win more than
one NCAA title. Coach Donovan is also a native of the Fourth
Congressional District, originally hailing from Rockville Centre, in my
district on Long Island.
The Gators finished their season with an impressive record of 35-5,
winning the final 10 games of the season. Every player, coach, trainer,
manager and staff member of the University of Florida Gators dedicated
this season and their efforts to the common goal of repeating as men's
NCAA basketball champions, and did so with class and sportsmanship.
I urge my colleagues to show their support for the Florida Gators and
vote for House Resolution 298.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield the distinguished gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Stearns) as much time as he may consume.
(Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. STEARNS. Let me thank, first of all, my colleagues, for bringing
this resolution to the floor. I certainly appreciate the gentlelady
from New York, I believe, Long Island, for her gracious comments, to
know that Billy Donovan also resided in her district. I think that is
something that many of us did not know.
Madam Speaker, I do have a little feeling of modesty here and
graciousness coming here again to the floor. It's almost like a great
case of dejavu again, because it seems like only a few months ago that
I came to the floor to honor the University of Florida, which I
represent, for winning the national football title.
Yet here I am again, feeling a great deal of humbleeness, coming to
the House floor to honor the Gators men's basketball team, as pointed
out, for becoming the first team since 1991-1992 to win back-to-back
national titles. Of course, I am honored to represent the University of
Florida, because it's in my congressional district. As we say in
Gainesville, ``Go Gators.'' We do indeed hope for another championship.
With their win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on April 2, as mentioned,
they became only the seventh school ever to repeat championships. In
addition, Florida remains the only school in NCAA history to hold both
the men's basketball and football championship titles in the same year,
which is an arduous feat, to say the least. This is quite an
accomplishment, and one the entire university community should take a
great deal of pride in, which they do.
Many of the so-called experts said that the Gators would not be able
to repeat as champions. However, all throughout the season, Coach Billy
Donovan kept his team focused and on track and eventually proved the
pundits wrong. The Gators were chasing history, so to speak, and they
would not be denied.
{time} 1400
The Gators finished their season with an impressive 35-5, winning the
final 10 games of the season. Furthermore, my colleagues, they have an
18-game winning streak in the post-season, including sweeps at the
Southeastern Conference tournament the last 2 years and a 12-0 in the
NCAA tournament.
By winning the championship, Coach Donovan became the 12th coach to
win multiple men's basketball championship and one of four active
coaches to win multiple titles. He also became the third youngest coach
to win more than one NCAA title.
Now, Florida's overall athletic program has proven to be one of the
best in the Nation, now having won 21 national championships in all
sports combined. Ten Gator athletic teams turned in top 10 finishes in
2005-2006. Florida is one of two schools to appear in the top 10 in
each of the last 23 national all-sports ranking.
I appreciate your indulgence here as I brag a little bit more. Gator
athletes excel in the classroom as well. UF boasts a 91 percent
graduation rate among its athletes, making it only one of four programs
in the national all-sports top 10 to achieve a graduation success rate
above 90 percent. Furthermore, in the 2002-2003 season, UF placed a
record of 193 student athletes on the SEC academic honor role, making
six consecutive years UF placed 100 or more student athletes on the SEC
honor role.
The University of Florida is more than just athletics. It ranks fifth
among Kiplinger's top 10 colleges and is among the Nation's most
academically diverse public universities. It is home to 16 colleges and
more than 150 research centers and institutes. And during the 2005-2006
school year, they awarded a little over $500 million in sponsored
research to do such things as to find diverse research in health care,
citrus production including the world's largest citrus research center.
In addition, my colleagues, more than 300,000 Gator alumni are
located throughout the world. Famous alumni include two current NASA
astronauts, actress Faye Dunaway, and home improvement expert Bob Vila.
Just a little bragging there.
UF's faculty are among the best and most decorated in the world,
winning
[[Page H4230]]
awards such as the Fields medal, two Pulitzer Prizes, NASA's top award
for research, and the Smithsonian Institution's Conservation award.
Along with the faculty, the Gator students are among the brightest. UF
admitted about 1,049 international baccalaureate students for the 2004-
2005 academic year, more than any other university in the world.
So the Florida men's basketball team are excellent representatives of
both the university and the great State of Florida in their focus,
their persistence, and unassailable desire to succeed. I take great
pride, my colleagues, in representing the University of Florida in
Congress and congratulate Coach Billy Donovan and the entire university
on this great accomplishment and hope for the best for next year. Go
Gators.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as the
gentleman may consume to another distinguished member of the Florida
delegation, Mr. Keller.
Mr. KELLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of
Florida's men's basketball team on their second consecutive NCAA,
Division I championship. On April 2 of this year, they joined only six
other teams in NCAA history to win back-to-back championships. My
congratulations also go out to Coach Billy Donovan, who has done a fine
job with these young men, not only leading them to back-to-back
championships but also for preparing them for what lies ahead in life.
The University of Florida is a fine institution with many standout
athletes. My home State of Florida and I are tremendously proud of
their accomplishments on and off the field. The University of Florida
is the only Division I college in history to win the national
championship in basketball and football in the same calendar year. In
fact, between the Gator championships in basketball and football, I
don't think there will be an athlete on campus who has not met the
President by the time they graduate.
Now, so many of these Gator basketball and football will be heading
off to the NBA and NFL where they will have to struggle to make due on
their multi-million dollar salaries. The good news for many of these
other schools is that a lot of the starters will be moving on. The bad
news, of course, is I am hearing they are having their best recruiting
classes ever in both football and basketball. Ohio State was such a
worthy opponent both in football and basketball and handled themselves
with so much class, much praise is warranted to the Buckeye fans as
well. Congratulations on a job well done.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, we have got a great group of very proud
Floridians here today. I am pleased to yield again as much time as the
gentleman may consume to the gentleman, Mr. Bilirakis, from Florida.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, it is with great Gator pride that I
rise today to support this resolution honoring my alma mater, the
University of Florida, on winning the 2007 NCAA men's basketball
championship.
The Gators began this season looking to become the first team since
1992 to repeat as national champions. Everyone in the Gator nation
anxiously anticipated this season's tip-off, as all five starters
unselfishly returned to school in hopes of making history. And they
did. They became the only team in history to repeat as champions with
the same starting lineup.
Last year, this Gator team came from obscurity to win the
championship. However, this year the Gators were expected to win, which
made them a target for every school they played. These young men not
only handled the pressure and scrutiny, but they used it to fuel
another amazing title run through both the SEC and the NCAA tournament.
Madam Speaker, I believe that this basketball team represents the
true embodiment of sportsmanship and teamwork. For the last 2 years,
these young men won with class, not selfishness. The five starters gave
up their very lucrative NBA contracts to return to the school they
loved. How refreshing. In today's society, this an act that is
remarkable. Believe it or not, it is remarkable. I want to commend all
of them for their hard work and discipline.
I also want to recognize Coach Billy Donovan and all of his
assistants for the tremendous job they have done over the years. We are
very lucky to have them, and I am glad he stayed at the University of
Florida.
Finally, I want to thank president Bernie Machen and athletic
director Jeremy Foley, whose leadership made it possible for the Gators
to be the only team in NCAA history to hold both the football and
basketball titles simultaneously.
I wish the University of Florida the best of luck in continuing this
remarkable trend. And on behalf of my entire family, including my sons
Michael, Teddy, Manuel, and Nicholas, thanks for making our dream come
true, Gators.
Madam Speaker, it truly is great to be a Florida Gator.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
The Florida Gators team will certainly go down as one of the best
teams in the history of college basketball. After winning back-to-back
championships this year, Coach Billy Donovan said, ``I sit up here
very, very humbled, because I think I was fortunate enough over the
last 2 years to coach a group of guys that has to go down in history as
one of the greatest teams of all time.''
The love for the game and each other, the hustle and hard work that
the players exemplified the past 2 years is something they certainly
learned from their head coach, Billy Donovan. At the young age of 41,
Coach Donovan is now in some elite company being one of only four
active coaches to have won multiple championships.
I extend my heartiest congratulations to Head Coach Donovan, all of
the hardworking players, their fans, and all members of the University
of Florida family, including another distinguished graduate of the
University of Florida who I would be in trouble with if I didn't
mention when I go home tonight. My next oldest brother, Mark Platts,
graduated in 1987 with a master's degree from the University of
Florida.
I am happy to join with my chairwoman as well as my colleagues from
Florida in honoring this exceptional team and all of its
accomplishments and wish them continued success, unless they are
playing my alma mater in the years to come.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, again I encourage my
colleagues to pass H. Res. 298. And congratulations again and certainly
may they have a great future.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Harman). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 298.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will
be postponed.
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