[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 160 (Monday, October 22, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H11808-H11809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BOWLING TEAM FOR 
WINNING THE 2007 UNITED STATES BOWLING CONGRESS INTERCOLLEGIATE BOWLING 
                         NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 472) congratulating and commending 
the Wichita State University women's bowling team for winning the 2007 
United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National 
Championship.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 472

       Whereas on April 21, 2007, the Wichita State University 
     (WSU) women's bowling team won the 2007 United States Bowling 
     Congress (USBC) Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship 
     Tournament in Wichita, Kansas;
       Whereas WSU, on the final day of the tournament, defeated 
     Central Florida University 4 games to 1 in the semi-finals 
     and McKendree College (Illinois) 2 games to 0 in the finals 
     to win the national championship;
       Whereas the WSU women's bowling team has won eight 
     Intercollegiate Bowling National Championships (1975, 1977, 
     1978, 1986, 1990, 1994, 2005, and 2007) and has advanced to 
     the national tournament a record 31 times;
       Whereas Head Coach Gordon Vadakin has coached the WSU 
     bowling team since 1978, leading them to the Intercollegiate 
     Bowling National Championship Tournament 29 times and has 
     coached the team to six national titles;
       Whereas Women's Coach Mark Lewis and Assistant Women's 
     Coach Kristal Scott directly coached the 2007 WSU women's 
     bowling team to the national championship in Wichita, Kansas;
       Whereas both Head Coach Gordon Vadakin and Women's Coach 
     Mark Lewis are members of the USBC Hall of Fame;
       Whereas the 2007 national championship team is comprised of 
     the following members: Daniela Alvarado, Ashley Cox, Elysia 
     Current, Sandra Gongora, Melissa Hurst, Samantha Linder, 
     Emily Maier, Rocio Restrepo, Ricki Williams, and Felicia 
     Wong; and
       Whereas WSU Juniors Elysia Current and Emily Maier were 
     named as First Team All-Americans, and Maier was named as a 
     member of the All-Tournament Team of the 2007 Intercollegiate 
     Bowling National Championship Tournament: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates and commends the Wichita State University 
     (WSU) women's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States 
     Bowling Congress (USBC) Intercollegiate Bowling National 
     Championship Tournament;
       (2) recognizes the significant achievements of the players, 
     coaches, students, alumni, and support staff whose dedication 
     and hard work helped the WSU women's bowling team win the 
     national championship; and
       (3) respectfully requests the Clerk of the House of 
     Representatives to transmit enrolled copies of this 
     resolution to the following individuals for appropriate 
     display--
       (A) Donald L. Beggs, President of Wichita State University;
       (B) Gordon Vadakin, Head Coach;
       (C) Mark Lewis, Women's Coach; and
       (D) Kristal Scott, Assistant Women's Coach.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. McCarthy) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl) 
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. 472 
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 want to congratulate the 
Wichita State University women's bowling team for winning the 2007 
United States Bowling Congressional Intercollegiate Bowling National 
Championship. On April 21, 2007, the Wichita State University women's 
bowling team won the 2007 USBC Bowling National Championship Tournament 
by defeating Central Florida University in Wichita, Kansas.
  I also want to congratulate head coach Gordon Vadakin, women's coach 
Mark Lewis, assistant women's coach Kristal Scott, athletic director 
Jim Schaus, Wichita State University president Donald L. Beggs and the 
student athletes on an excellent season.
  After bowling eight events, the women's team played 362 games and 
knocked down 68,227 pins for an average score of 188.5 points. This was 
the eighth Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship for the 
Wichita State University women's bowling team and a record 31st 
appearance at the national tournament. The Shockers also had two 
juniors, Elysia Current and Emily Maier, named as First Team All-
Americans, with Emily Maier being named to the All-Tournament team.

[[Page H11809]]

  Winning the 2007 USBC Bowling National Championship Tournament and 
winning their eighth national title has revealed its excellent athletic 
program at Wichita State University to the Nation. I know the fans, 
students, and alumni of the university will remember this moment for 
many years to come.
  Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate Wichita State University for 
their success.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 472, 
congratulating and commending the Wichita State University's bowling 
team for winning the 2007 United States Bowling Congress 
Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship. On April 21, 2007, the 
Wichita State University Shockers, as they are called, women's bowling 
team defeated McKendree College two games to none to claim their eighth 
national championship.
  In game one, both teams went head-to-head in a low-scoring match. 
However, the Shockers were able to capitalize on a McKendree split and 
pull out a win 138-128. Close match. In the second match, the Shockers 
completely outplayed McKendree as senior Felicia Wong and junior Emily 
Maier doubled in the third and fourth frame and again in the eighth and 
the ninth to close out the match and claim the title.
  This year's title is the team's first since 2005 and the eighth 
overall, which is the most in all of college bowling history. This 
title also adds to the amazing legacy of Wichita State bowling, as it 
is the 15th in school history, eight women's titles, seven men's 
titles.
  Founded in 1895, Wichita State University offers more than 60 
undergraduate degree programs in more than 200 areas of study in six 
undergraduate colleges. The graduate school offers an extensive 
program, including 44 master's degrees in more than 100 areas and a 
specialist in education degree. It offers doctoral degrees in applied 
mathematics and chemistry, communicative disorders and sciences, 
psychology, educational administration and aerospace, and electrical, 
industrial and mechanical engineering.
  Together with the City of Wichita, Wichita State University has built 
one of the most unique partnerships in Kansas, one that over the years 
has propelled each to new heights.
  I extend my congratulations to head coach Gordon Vadakin, women's 
coach Mark Lewis, assistant women's coach Kristal Scott and President 
Donald Beggs, all of the hard-working players, certainly the fans and 
to Wichita State University. I am happy to join my colleague, 
Representative Todd Tiahrt, in honoring an exceptional team in all its 
accomplishments and wish all involved continued success. I ask my 
colleagues certainly to support this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Does my colleague from New York have any 
more speakers?
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Yes, Madam Speaker, I have one, and if it would 
be appropriate, I yield 5 minutes at this time to my colleague Mr. 
Tiahrt from Kansas.
  Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York. I am 
pleased today to have the privilege of honoring the 2007 National 
Championship Wichita State University women's bowling team. House 
Resolution 472 congratulates and commends the Wichita State 
University's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States Bowling 
Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship.
  Though known for its baseball and lately its basketball teams, the 
Shockers have had a long tradition of championship bowlers, and last 
year's team again made the region proud. The Wichita State University's 
women's bowling team has won eight intercollegiate bowling national 
championships, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1986, 1990, 1994, 2005, and now 2007, 
and has advanced to the national tournament a record 31 times.
  On April 21, 2007, the Wichita State University's women's bowling 
team won the 2007 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate 
Bowling National Championship Tournament in Wichita by defeating 
Central Florida University four games to one in the semi-finals and 
McKendree College of Illinois two games to zero in the finals.
  Wichita State University earned the second seed on the day after 
completing 32 baker games. On day two, the team defeated Ohio State 
University four games to one in the best of seven series, Purdue 
University four to one and Newman University four games to two to 
advance to the semi-finals.
  On the final day of the tournament, the Wichita State University 
women defeated Central Florida University four games to one in the 
semi-finals and McKendree College two games to zero in the finals to 
win the national championship at home at Northrock Lanes.
  Despite having a top caliber team, the championship was not assured 
going into the season because the Shockers had lost seven players from 
their top-ranked team from the 2006 season. The 2007 additions included 
six new members and three international players, Wichita local freshman 
Ricki Williams and two transfers. None of the bowlers had been in a 
championship game before nor a televised game. Yet they did not let the 
hype overpower them and instead let their talent shine through.
  I want to congratulate WSU President Don Beggs and athletic director 
Jim Schaus for their leadership by creating a great university and an 
excellent athletic program. Wichita State is blessed to have two 
coaches, Gordon Vadakin and Mark Lewis, who are themselves members of 
USBC Hall of Fame. Head coach Gordon Vadakin has coached the team since 
1978, leading it to the Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship 
Tournament 29 times and has coached the team to six national titles. 
Women's coach Mark Lewis and assistant women's coach Kristal Scott 
directly coached the 2007 WSU women's team to the national championship 
in Wichita, Kansas.
  The 2007 national championship team is comprised of the following 
members: Daniela Alvarado, Ashley Cox, Elysia Current, Sandra Gongora, 
Melissa Hurst, Samantha Linder, Emily Maier, Rocio Restrepo, Ricki 
Williams and Felicia Wong. WSU juniors, Elysia Current and Emily Maier, 
were named the First Team All-Americans, and Maier was named as the 
member of the All-Tournament team of the Intercollegiate Bowling 
Championship Tournament. I also want to thank Amy Skeen of my staff who 
worked on this resolution and getting it to the floor.
  Once again, I am very pleased that today the United States House of 
Representatives will congratulate and commend the Wichita State 
University's women's bowling team for winning the 2007 Intercollegiate 
Bowling National Championship Tournament. Go Shox.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, in closing, I urge my 
colleagues to support House Resolution 472. Team athletic competition 
teaches student athletes teamwork, cooperation, and leadership. These 
skills will translate into the classroom for each student as well as 
into their professional lives. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on 
H. Res. 472, celebrating the success of the Wichita State University 
Shockers.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. I yield back the balance of my time, Madam 
Speaker.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. 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. 472.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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