[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S15998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CARROLL COLLEGE

   Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I congratulate and honor 
the football players at Carroll College, in Helena, MT, who this past 
Saturday became the National Champions of the National Association of 
Intercollegiate Athletics. The Fighting Saints defeated the University 
of Sioux Falls 17-to-9 on a cold, rainy day in Savannah, TN.
  Folks in my home State are getting used to celebrating championships 
this time of year. Carroll's historic victory this past Sunday marks 
the fifth time in 6 years that they have been crowned National 
Champions.
  I want to extend my congratulations to coach Mike Van Diest and his 
entire staff, cheerleading coach Pam Jones and her squad, athletic 
director Bruce Parker, Carroll College president Tom Trebon, and the 
entire Carroll community for bringing home the national title.
  But I mostly want to applaud the young men who make up this 
remarkable team. Years from now they may forget the early morning and 
late night practices. They may forget the summer training in the 
Montana heat and other sacrifices they have made. But they will never 
forget the muddy day in December of 2007 when they raised up that 
trophy.
  As a former teacher and referee I know firsthand how important 
interscholastic competition can be. It takes the dedication and 
determination of the young men and women who make a team. It takes the 
support of the community and the alumni. And it takes patient and 
talented coaches to lead.
  Mr. President, I also know how outstanding an institution Carroll is. 
I have always been impressed by the accomplishments of both the 
students and the faculty and as the father of an alumna, I will always 
have a special place in my heart for Carroll.

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