[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H2894-H2896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMENDING THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS FOR WINNING THE 2008 NCAA MEN'S 
                        BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1096) commending the University of 
Kansas Jayhawks for winning the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic 
Association Division I basketball championship.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1096

       Whereas on April 7, 2008, the University of Kansas Jayhawks 
     defeated the University of Memphis Tigers 75-68 in the final 
     game of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 
     Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in San Antonio, Texas, 
     on the 20th anniversary of the historic win by the team led 
     by Danny Manning, known as ``Danny and the Miracles'';
       Whereas the Jayhawks now hold 5 men's basketball national 
     titles, including 3 NCAA men's basketball championships;
       Whereas with this win, the Jayhawks achieved a school 
     record for all-time season wins, posting a 37-3 record during 
     their run for the title, and finished the season with a 13-
     game winning streak, securing the Big XII Conference 
     Championship title after starting the season with a 20-game 
     undefeated record, in addition to the 2008 NCAA Division I 
     men's basketball crown;
       Whereas Kansas head coach Bill Self won his first NCAA 
     title and improved his all-time record at Kansas to 142-32;
       Whereas Kansas guard Mario Chalmers was chosen as the Most 
     Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and was named to the 
     NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team, along with guard Brandon 
     Rush and forward Darrell Arthur;
       Whereas Kansas seniors Jeremy Case, Darnell Jackson, Sasha 
     Kaun, Russell Robinson, Rodrick Stewart, and Brad Witherspoon 
     ended their collegiate careers with a national championship;
       Whereas the roster of the Kansas Jayhawks also included 
     juniors Brennan Bechard and Matt Kleinmann; sophomores 
     Sherron Collins and Brady Morningstar; and freshmen Cole 
     Aldrich, Chase Buford, Tyrel Reed, and Conner Teahan;
       Whereas the Jayhawks' student-athletes, coaches, staff, and 
     others associated with the team continue to represent the 
     University of Kansas and the State of Kansas with exemplary 
     sportsmanship, and deserve praise and credit for their 
     efforts and their dedication to the common goal of winning 
     the NCAA men's basketball championship;
       Whereas the students at the University of Kansas, Jayhawk 
     fans, and members of the Lawrence, Kansas, community showed 
     tremendous class in their celebration of the Jayhawks' 
     historic win; and
       Whereas the families of the student-athletes, students, 
     alumni, and faculty of the University of Kansas, and all the 
     supporters of the University of Kansas, are to be 
     congratulated for their commitment to, and pride in, the 
     basketball program at the University: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the University of Kansas men's basketball team 
     for winning the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association 
     (NCAA) Division I basketball championship;
       (2) recognizes the achievements of all the student-
     athletes, coaches, and support staff who were instrumental in 
     helping the University of Kansas men's basketball team win 
     its 3rd NCAA Division I basketball championship and 5th 
     national championship; and
       (3) respectfully requests the Clerk of the House of 
     Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to--
       (A) the University of Kansas for appropriate display;
       (B) Robert Hemenway, the Chancellor of the University of 
     Kansas;
       (C) Lew Perkins, the Athletic Director of the University of 
     Kansas; and
       (D) Bill Self, the Head Coach of the University of Kansas 
     men's basketball team.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and insert relevant material to H. Res. 1096 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us know of the tremendous importance of the game 
of basketball to the United States of America and all that it provides 
for all of us in terms of the thrills everybody shares when they're 
watching their favorite team.
  I rise to congratulate the University of Kansas Jayhawks for their 
win in the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I 
men's basketball tournament.
  On April 7, 2008, the University of Kansas won their fifth men's 
national basketball title by defeating the University of Memphis 
Tigers. College basketball fans and players were treated to an exciting 
national championship game, with victory coming to the Jayhawks after 
an amazing effort which pushed the game into overtime.
  I want to extend congratulations to Head Coach Bill Self, Athletic 
Director Lew Perkins, University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemingway, 
and Kansas' student athletes on an excellent season. While securing 
their first national title in 20 years, the Jayhawks also won the Big 
12 Conference championship title. The Jayhawks also set a school record 
for all-time season wins with a 37-3 record.
  I also wish to extend congratulations to the University of Memphis 
Tigers and their student athletes for a great season. The Tigers' loss 
in the finals was only their second loss of the season. Memphis also 
won Conference USA with a perfect 16-0 record.
  Winning the 2008 national championship has brought national attention 
and acclaim to the University of Kansas' outstanding basketball 
program. I know that the fans of this university will remember this 
very special moment for many years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1096, 
commending the University of Kansas Jayhawks for winning the 2008 
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball 
championship.
  On April 7 of this year, trailing 60-51 with just 2:12 left in 
regulation, the University of Kansas Jayhawks mounted a comeback that 
will go down as one of the most memorable in NCAA history. In overtime, 
the Jayhawks defeated Memphis 75-68 to win the national championship, 
its fifth national title in school history. With this win, the Jayhawks 
achieved a school record for all-time season wins, posting a 37-3 
record during their run for the title. The Jayhawks finished the season 
with a 13-game winning streak, securing the Big 12 Conference 
championship in addition to the national title.
  Jayhawks guard Mario Chalmers was chosen as the Most Outstanding 
Player of the Final Four and was named to the NCAA Final Four All-
Tournament Team along with guard Brandon Rush and forward Darrell 
Arthur. Seniors

[[Page H2895]]

Jeremy Case, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Russell Robinson, Rodrick 
Stewart and Brad Witherspoon ended their collegiate careers with a 
national championship. In addition, this was Head Coach Bill Self's 
first NCAA title. He improved his all-time record at Kansas to 142 
wins, 32 losses.
  KU has a rich history beyond the basketball court as well. Opened in 
1866, the University of Kansas is a comprehensive educational and 
research institution with 29,000 plus students and more than 2,000 
faculty members. KU includes the main campus in Lawrence, a city of 
about 88,000 in northeastern Kansas; the Medical Center in Kansas City, 
Kansas; the Edwards Campus in Overland Park; a clinical campus of the 
School of Medicine in Wichita; and educational and research facilities 
throughout the State.
  Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners have graduated from this great 
university, and many pharmacists, teachers, nurses and doctors have 
begun their careers at KU as well.
  Today, I would like to congratulate Robert Hemingway, KU's 
Chancellor; Lew Perkins, the Director of Athletics; the student 
athletes, the students, alumni and all fans for the Jayhawks' historic 
win.
  I'm happy to join with my colleague, Representative Moore, in 
honoring this exceptional team and all its accomplishments, and wish 
them continued success in their future endeavors.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to yield such 
time as he might consume to the gentleman from Kansas, Representative 
Dennis Moore.
  Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it's my great privilege today to 
honor the 2008 NCAA men's Division I basketball champions, the 
University of Kansas Jayhawks, and to encourage my colleagues to 
support H.R. 1096.
  The University of Kansas men's basketball team began their season by 
winning 20 straight games on their way to a final regular season record 
of 28-3, a share of the Big 12 regular season title and the Big 12 
Conference tournament title.
  Upon being selected a number one seed in the NCAA tournament, the 
Jayhawks defeated their first three opponents by 24 points, 19 points 
and 15 points, respectively. When challenged by Davidson in the 
regional final and the University of North Carolina in the national 
semifinal game, Kansas won these competitive, emotionally charged games 
by emphasizing teamwork, persistence, and focus, three qualities they 
displayed all season long.
  And finally, the Jayhawks won the national title by besting a skilled 
Memphis team in one of the most dramatic games in Final Four history, 
20 years after another Kansas team lead by Danny Manning also won the 
national championship in dramatic fashion.
  As a proud alum of the University of Kansas, I was proud that through 
the entire season the students, athletes, coaches and everyone 
associated with the University of Kansas men's basketball team 
represented the university and the State of Kansas in great fashion by 
demonstrating sportsmanship, skill, and the ability to overcome 
adversity. They deserve praise and credit for their efforts and for 
their dedication of the common goal of winning the NCAA championship.
  It should also be said that the students of the University of Kansas, 
the members of the Lawrence, Kansas community and Jayhawk fans 
everywhere showed tremendous class in the celebration of the Jayhawks' 
historic win. And, friends, this is a Jayhawk.
  Students and fans take great pride in Kansas basketball, and I 
believe that this commitment and passion was demonstrated by the fact 
that nearly 80,000 people showed up on a chilly spring afternoon for 
the team's championship parade and celebration.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to stand here today to pay tribute to the 
hard work and success of this championship team, its coaches and its 
fans, and I ask my colleagues to please support House Resolution 1096.
  Rock Chalk Jayhawks!
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the distinguished gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) and would recognize 
that he is proudly wearing his KU colors as an undergraduate and law 
degree graduate of the university.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I am here today with my colleague the gentleman from 
Kansas (Mr. Moore) as we commend and congratulate an amazing year at 
the University of Kansas in its Department of Athletics with an earlier 
victory at the Orange Bowl in the football program followed up by a 
victory by our basketball team at the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas, 
just a few weeks ago. We're anxious to have the Jayhawks--the players, 
the team, and school athletic officials--here so that our colleagues 
from Congress can greet and congratulate them, and we hope that happens 
in the near future. And we are also expecting that the President will 
invite the Jayhawks to the White House for the traditional commendation 
from the President of the United States.
  I, of course, support House Resolution 1096 commending my alma mater, 
the University of Kansas. It's been a long time for Kansas Jayhawk 
basketball fans since ``Danny Manning and the Miracles'' shocked the 
sporting world and defeated the Oklahoma Sooners and won KU's last 
basketball championship. In that time since 1988, KU has had many 
memorable moments but also some real heartbreaks as at times it came up 
just a bit short in returning the championship trophy back to Kansas.
  On April 7 the Jayhawks were trailing the Memphis Tigers 60-51 with 
2:12 left in regulation. Then began one of the most amazing comebacks 
that we have seen in the history of basketball and one of the most 
memorable college basketball experiences. With just 2.1 seconds left in 
regulation, Final Four MVP Mario Chalmers hit a game-tying 3 point 
shot. It was the exact scenario that every young kid dreams of when 
practicing shooting those baskets in their home driveway. KU went on to 
defeat Memphis 75-68 to claim its fifth national championship to the 
jubilation of Kansans everywhere.
  In our State we have a number of choices for students to attend 
college and a lot of rivalries within our State. Two of the greatest 
rivalries, Kansas State University and their outstanding program, as 
well as the University of Kansas and their program. But even our 
Wildcat fans and K State supporters were pleased and proud of the 
Kansas victory. Forty thousand fans celebrated that night in Lawrence, 
and later close to a hundred thousand Kansans came across our State to 
share in the Jayhawk victory parade in Lawrence, Kansas.
  I should also mention that the class that all Kansans showed that 
night in celebrating, Kansans were typical Kansans that evening, well 
behaved but in a great mood of celebration.
  The University of Kansas has one of the most distinguished histories 
in college basketball. The founder of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, 
was the first coach at the University of Kansas, and he was also the 
only coach in KU's history to ever have a losing season. This is KU's 
fifth national championship, and they've been to the Final Four 13 
times and have captured an astounding 51 conference titles in history.
  My congratulations to the chancellor of the university, my friend Bob 
Hemenway; and to my friend the athletic director, Lew Perkins; Coach 
Bill Self; the assistant coaches Danny Manning, Joe Dooley, Kurtis 
Townsend, Brett Ballard, and Ronnie Chalmers; and the outstanding KU 
basketball team.
  All Kansans are proud. We commend you on this amazing year and your 
success. And as the congressman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) says, ``Rock 
Chalk Jayhawk.''
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to yield now 
such time as she may consume to the distinguished cosponsor of this 
resolution, the gentlewoman from Kansas (Mrs. Boyda).
  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise again with my colleague Mr. 
Moran to salute the 2008 national champion Kansas Jayhawks.
  Rock Chalk Jayhawk. Rock Chalk Jayhawk.
  My district includes some of the most loyal college basketball fans 
in the Nation. Every week they get up, go

[[Page H2896]]

out in the dark in the middle of the Kansas prairie winter, and they 
journey out into the cold and dark to sit on wooden benches in an old 
field house, and they cheer on our local team, the Kansas Jayhawks, 
just like their parents and grandparents did. They are also some of the 
luckiest college basketball fans in the Nation. Our field house is the 
legendary Allen Field House, and our local team is the Kansas Jayhawks, 
one of the most dominant college basketball teams in this Nation. This 
year the Kansas Jayhawks made their 13th, their 13th, Final Four and 
they won their fifth national championship.
  Eat your heart out, MU.
  In 109 years of basketball, the Jayhawks have had only eight head 
coaches. The position was first held by James Naismith, the very 
founder of this legendary game, but there have been none better than 
our current head coach, Bill Self. Self came to Kansas 5 years ago, and 
since then he's led the Kansas Jayhawks to four consecutive Big 12 
Conference regular season championships and through three consecutive 
Big 12 tournament championships. And, Mr. Speaker, this is a tough, 
tough conference where even the lowly Missouri Tigers were able to hold 
Kansas close until the final minutes.
  The Kansas Jayhawks won the first Final Four where all four number 
one seeds participated. This year all four of the number one seeds were 
in the last Final Four. And our Kansas Jayhawks won in dramatic 
fashion. Those of us who are from Kansas were hoping that the last 
three points that Mario Chalmers sunk into that basket might replace 
some of those annoying comments about Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz and 
then they're going to say, ``You're from Kansas. Aren't they the great 
basketball team that won in such a wonderful fashion?'' And I'm going 
to say yes, Mr. Speaker, they are. Our Kansas Jayhawks have made us all 
proud. And I congratulate them; I congratulate our chancellor, Bob 
Hemenway; and the entire KU and Bill Self for their wonderful victory 
and for making Kansans so proud.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to again join with all of 
the residents of Kansas and also indicate that they have a tremendous 
recruitment program because Mario Chalmers, the young fellow that 
people have been talking about as the outstanding player, grew up in my 
neighborhood, in my community, went to Crane High School. It just 
happened that I talked to the principal of that school this morning 
about something else, and I didn't know that I would get an opportunity 
to congratulate them on the floor this afternoon.
  And so I join with all of America in congratulating the great 
Jayhawks on an outstanding season and urge passage of this resolution.
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for H. Res 
1096, Head Coach Bill Self, and his national champion basketball team 
at Kansas University. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding 
season, and a thrilling ride through March Madness.
  The season began with high expectations, as the Jayhawks were ranked 
fourth in the preseason ESPN/USA Today poll. These expectations were 
justified, as KU won the first 20 games of the season and climbed as 
high as number 2 in the polls, before losing to Kansas State University 
at the end of January. Two additional losses, including a heartbreaker 
to then 7th ranked Texas, dropped them as low as 7th in the national 
polls, and many sports pundits questioned their ability to win in big 
games.
  Coach Self and his players continued to believe in themselves, 
however, and finished the season ranked fourth in the Nation, with a 
28-3 record. It was a rocky trip through the Big XII Conference 
Tournament, with narrow wins against Nebraska and Texas A&M, before 
avenging their regular season loss against co-conference regular season 
champion Texas. The Jayhawks were getting hot at the right time. Their 
10 point victory over the Longhorns gave them their 7th Conference 
Tournament championship in 12 years, and was enough to lock up a number 
one seed in the national tournament.
  KU did not meet a significant challenge in the tournament until the 
regional final, where they met tournament darlings Stephen Curry and 
Davidson. They played each other neck and neck throughout the game, 
with neither team leading by more than 5 points at any time during the 
game. An errant three point shot by Davidson as time expired gave 
Kansas the win, and secured their place in the Final Four.
  Kansas avenged another loss in the national semi-final--that of 
former coach Roy Williams, who left the university in 2003. Thought to 
be the best team in the country this year, North Carolina could not 
keep up with KU's fast paced game plan, and had no answer for their 
swarming defense. Kansas won in a rout, 84-66.
  The national final against Memphis was an instant classic. Though the 
teams were close for much of the game, Memphis began to pull away 
towards the end. Undeterred, KU was able to capitalize on the Achilles' 
Heel of Memphis--free throw shooting. Even so, they were still trailing 
by 3 with 10 seconds left when Sherron Collins drove the length of the 
floor, and passed to Mario Chalmers who drained a 3-pointer with 2.1 
seconds left, sending the game into overtime. Kansas continued to 
perform well through overtime, and won the game 75-68. This was the 
first national championship for Coach Bill Self, and the first for KU 
since Danny and the Miracles in 1988.
  Congratulations to Coach Self, the basketball team, and the entire 
Kansas University community. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1096.
  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.

                          ____________________