[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 52 (Thursday, April 3, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE HOWARD PAYNE LADY JACKETS BASKETBALL TEAM ON THEIR 
                NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND PERFECT SEASON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Conaway) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Howard 
Payne University Lady Jackets on their 2008 NCAA Division III Women's 
Basketball National Championship. In this, their fourth consecutive 
appearance in the tournament, the Lady Jackets defeated the Messiah 
University Falcons 68-54. Winning the National Championship was a 
fitting end to an unbelievable season for this rising basketball 
powerhouse. From day one the women of the Lady Jackets unwaveringly 
pursued excellence, and in the end they achieved perfection. The Lady 
Jackets finished with a record of 33-0, the only perfect record of any 
of the 3,823 men's and women's collegiate basketball teams in this 
country.
  Located in Brownwood, Texas, Howard Payne University is a small 
school of 1,400 students that I am honored to represent. As Division 
III athletes, the members of the Lady Jackets team receive no 
scholarships or lucrative contracts for their collegiate exploits. 
Rather, these women play for the thrill of competition and the glory of 
their achievements. Every minute of every team practice, at every 
meeting, and every game is endured for the love of basketball.
  I am proud to commend the Lady Jackets today, not only for their 
victories but also for their dedication to their sport and to each 
other in the drive to be the best. It is my great pleasure to extend my 
personal congratulations to team members Tiffany Warner, Katy Sarem, 
Stephanie Brewer, Mionca Hall, Daphnie Pippins, Kimberly Hoffman, 
Makiesha Davis, Meia Daniels, Elaine Hobbs, Stacey Blalock, Hope 
Hohertz, Sarah Pfiester, and Sarah Jockers on their remarkable 
accomplishments.
  I'd also like to congratulate coaches Mr. Chris Kielsmeier and Ms. 
Lindy Hatfield, who coached this year's team. This season belongs to 
them as well. While a coach's devotion to their team is often displayed 
simply in the wins column, this perfect season speaks volumes about Mr. 
Kielsmeier and Ms. Hatfield's ability to bring out the very best of 
their players and nurture the talents of their team.
  Mr. Speaker, hallowed as these walls that we work in are, we rarely 
have an opportunity to witness perfection, that which cannot be 
improved upon. Lest we forget what such accomplishments look like, the 
women of the Lady Jackets have reminded us that there are rare moments 
in time when imperfect individuals can work together to achieve perfect 
results. I hope that by taking time to celebrate these small moments we 
can remind ourselves the importance of working together to achieve 
success.
  And, again, Lady Jackets, congratulations on a very unforgettable 
season.

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