[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H2896-H2898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HAWKEYES WRESTLING TEAM ON 
   WINNING THE 2008 NCAA DIVISION I NATIONAL WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1100) congratulating the University of 
Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team on Winning the 2008 NCAA Division I 
National Wrestling Championships, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1100

       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Head 
     Coach Tom Brands was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year, the 
     National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Coach of the 
     Year, and led the team to its 21st national title and his 1st 
     national title;
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team 
     crowned two national champions, Mark Perry, and Brent 
     Metcalf;
       Whereas Mark Perry won his 2d national title making him 
     only the 14th University of Iowa wrestler to earn 2 national 
     titles while also overcoming a knee injury during his match, 
     and was awarded his 4th all-American honor making him only 
     the 17th University of Iowa wrestler to earn 4 all-American 
     honors;
       Whereas Brent Metcalf won his 1st national title, was 
     awarded his 1st all-American honor, was awarded the Dan Hodge 
     Trophy, was named as the Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, was 
     crowned a Big Ten Champion, finished the season with a 32-
     match winning streak, was named Outstanding Wrestler at the 
     NCAA and Big Ten Championships, and was named Outstanding 
     Wrestler at the Division I NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals;
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team was 
     represented proudly by three NCAA Division I National 
     Wrestling Championship Finalists by Mark Perry, Brent 
     Metcalf, and Joe Slaton;
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team was 
     honored by having seven all-Americans with Mark Perry, 
     Charlie Falck, Joe Slaton, Brent Metcalf, Jay Borschel, Matt 
     Fields, and Phillip Keddy being named;
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team was 
     honored by having six Academic All-Big Ten wrestlers with 
     Matt Ballweg, Jay Borschel, Matt Fields, Dan LeClere, T.H. 
     Leet, and Brent Metcalf being named;
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team also 
     won their 32d Big Ten title, which is the 1st for Head Coach 
     Tom Brands, with a perfect 8-0 conference record;
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team had 
     a final team score of 117.5 to place them 1st in the Division 
     I standings with the 2d place team scoring only 79;
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team has 
     a rich tradition and history of producing champions and 
     outstanding collegiate athletes and coaches since the program 
     began in 1911;

[[Page H2897]]

       Whereas former University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Head 
     Coach, and Olympic Gold Medalist, Dan Gable helped establish 
     one of the most successful wrestling programs in the nation 
     and is commended for his leadership and guidance provided to 
     the current 2008 championship team;
       Whereas the current University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling 
     team has continued the teams winning history which includes 
     Big Ten Conference Championships in 1915, 1916, 1958, 1962, 
     1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 
     1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 
     1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2004, and 2008, and NCAA 
     Division I National Wrestling Championships in 1975, 1976, 
     1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1991, 
     1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2008;
       Whereas the hard work and dedication of the University of 
     Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling team's Brodie Ambrose, Matt Ballweg, 
     Chad Beatty, Jay Borschel, Derek Coorough, Daniel Dennis, Dan 
     Erekson, Michael Fahrer, Charlie Falck, Matt Fields, Stew 
     Gillmor, Tyler Halverson, Aaron Janssen, Jordan Johnson, 
     Phillip Keddy, Jake Kerr, Nick Kolegraff, Brooks Kopsa, J.J. 
     Krutsinger, Ryan Kurovski, Dan LeClere, Nick LeClere, T.H. 
     Leet, Rick Loera, Luke Lofthouse, Thomas Magnani, Montell 
     Marion, Weston Marling, Jordan McLaughlin, Derrick Mehmen, 
     Brent Metcalf, Ryan Morningstar, Mark Perry, Blake Rasing, 
     Ethan Sebert, Joe Slaton, Alex Tsirtsis, Vinnie Wagner, Head 
     Coach Tom Brands, Assistant Coach Wes Hand, Interim Assistant 
     Coach Doug Schwab, and Strength Training Coach Mike Zadick 
     all contributed to an outstanding season culminating in the 
     2008 national title; and
       Whereas the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team have 
     brought honor to themselves, the University of Iowa, the City 
     of Iowa City, and the State of Iowa: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team 
     for winning the 2008 NCAA Division I National Wrestling 
     Championship; and
       (2) congratulates the team on winning their 21st national 
     title since 1975 and finishing the season with a 21-1 overall 
     dual record and a perfect 8-0 conference record.

  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 request 5 legislative days 
during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 1100 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, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as he may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman 
from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).
  Mr. LOEBSACK. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an amazing team from the 
Second District of Iowa, which I represent. I'm proud to stand before 
my colleagues today and commend the University of Iowa Hawkeyes 
wrestling team for winning the 2008 NCAA Division I national wrestling 
championship.
  As many wrestling fans know, the University of Iowa has a celebrated 
history of exemplary wrestlers and coaches who have allowed the 
University of Iowa, the city of Iowa City, and the entire State of Iowa 
to boast numerous Big Ten titles and NCAA championships.
  In total, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team has won 32 
Big Ten Conference championships and, since 1975, a total of 21 NCAA 
Division I national wrestling championships. The current team has kept 
the Hawkeye record strong, and it's my privilege to congratulate them 
on the 32nd Big Ten title and the 21st national championship for the 
school.
  The University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team is led by Head Coach 
Tom Brands, who, in addition to this championship win, was named Big 
Ten Coach of the Year and National Wrestling Coaches Association Coach 
of the Year. Under Coach Brands' leadership, along with his assistants 
and strength coaches, the team also had two individual national 
champions.
  Mark Perry won his second national title even while overcoming a knee 
injury during his match and also was awarded his fourth All-American 
honor. Brent Metcalf won his first national title. He was also awarded 
his first All-American honor, the Dan Hodge Trophy, was named Big Ten 
Wrestler of the Year, was crowned a Big Ten champion, finished the 
season with a 32-match winning streak, was named outstanding wrestler 
at the NCAA and Big Ten championships, and was named outstanding 
wrestler at the Division I NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. Including 
the two individual national champions, the team had a total of seven 
All-Americans and six Academic All-Big Ten wrestlers.
  With the wrestling program starting in 1911, the current University 
of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team has built upon past successes to 
continue the team's and school's winning tradition. As wrestling fans 
know, much of this past success was made possible by the leadership of 
former head coach and Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable, who continues to 
provide guidance and leadership to the program.
  Congratulations to the entire University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling 
team, the University of Iowa, the city of Iowa City, and to my home 
State of Iowa for this great victory.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 1100, congratulating the 
University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team.
  Since the program began in 1911, the University of Iowa wrestling 
team has had a rich tradition and a history of producing champions and 
outstanding collegiate athletes and coaches, and this year proved to be 
no different as the top-ranked Hawkeyes wrestling team clinched its 
21st national team title in the NCAA championships. In addition to the 
team title, the Hawkeyes also crowned two national championships, Mark 
Perry and Brent Metcalf; seven All-Americans; and six Academic All-Big 
Ten wrestlers.
  At the helm of this outstanding team sits Head Coach Tom Brands, who 
was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year and the National Wrestling 
Coaches Association's Coach of the Year. Coach Brands, a former 
Hawkeyes wrestler, 1996 Olympic gold medalist, and four time All-
American, is in his second season as head wrestling coach at the 
University of Iowa.
  Former head coach and Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable should also be 
commended for his leadership and guidance provided to the current 2008 
championship team. Throughout his tenure, Coach Gable helped establish 
one of the most successful wrestling programs in the Nation.
  The University of Iowa wrestling team has brought honor to 
themselves, but I would be remiss if I failed to also recognize the 
university for its outstanding commitment as a public university. 
Established in 1847, Iowa has won international recognition for its 
wealth of achievements in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Iowa was 
the first United States public university to admit men and women on an 
equal basis and the first institution of higher education in the Nation 
to accept creative work in theater, writing, music, and art as theses 
for advanced degrees. It established the first law school and the first 
educational radio station west of the Mississippi, broadcast the 
world's first educational television programs, and developed and 
continues to hold preeminence in educational testing.
  I extend my congratulations to the University's president, Sally 
Mason; Athletics Director Gary Barta; Head Coach Tom Brands and his 
staff; all the hardworking wrestlers; their fans; and the entire 
University of Iowa community.
  I am happy to join with my distinguished colleague Representative 
Loebsack in honoring this exceptional team and all of its 
accomplishments and wish all involved continued success.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleague, Representative 
Loebsack from Iowa, and the entire Iowa delegation, as well as all of 
the Members of the House in congratulating the University of Iowa 
Hawkeyes wrestling team for their victory in the 2008 NCAA Division I 
national wrestling championship.

[[Page H2898]]

  On March 22, college wrestling fans were treated to an exceptional 
wrestling match as the top-ranked University of Iowa won its 21st 
national team title and crowned two individual national champions, Mark 
Perry and Brent Metcalf. Three of the Hawkeyes' seven All-Americans 
competed in the finals in St. Louis for a combined team score of 117.5 
points.
  I want to extend my congratulations to coach Tom Brands, who returned 
to his alma mater and led the team to a perfect 8-0 conference record 
in his second season as head coach. Impressive feats such as these are 
why Coach Brands was named Coach of the Year by both the Big Ten 
Conference and the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
  Congratulations also are in order for senior Mark Perry, who overcame 
a knee injury to win his second national title. He is only the 14th 
University of Iowa wrestler to earn two national titles. Additionally, 
Perry rounded out his final year with his fourth All-American honor.
  The other individual national title winner was sophomore Brent 
Metcalf. Metcalf ended the season on an impressive 23-match winning 
streak and earned many accolades, including the Dan Hodge Trophy, Big 
Ten Wrestler of the Year, and Outstanding Wrestler at both the NCAA and 
Big Ten championships.
  The University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling program began in 1911 and 
has produced a rich history of champions. With 32 Big Ten conference 
championships and 21 NCAA Division I national championships, the 
Hawkeyes wrestling team is a premier program. The extraordinary 
achievement of this season is a tribute to the skill and dedication of 
the many wrestlers, coaches, students, alumni, families, and fans that 
have helped to make the University of Iowa a wrestling powerhouse.
  Winning the national championship, finishing the season with a 21-1 
overall dual record, and winning the Big Ten conference championship 
for the 32nd time has brought national acclaim to the University of 
Iowa. I know the fans of the university will revel in this 
accomplishment as they look forward to the 2009 season.
  So, Mr. Speaker, once again I congratulate the University of Iowa for 
their tremendous success.
  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
University of Iowa Men's Wrestling Program on winning the 2008 NCAA 
Division I National Wrestling Championship.
  Dating back to the early 1900's my home State of Iowa has lead the 
way in shaping what competitive collegiate wrestling has become today. 
In fact, the first ever NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championship 
Tournament took place in Ames, Iowa. Anyone who follows the sport will 
tell you that you can always count on a team from the State of Iowa 
finishing among the top of almost every tournament.
  At all levels, the State of Iowa has a long storied and honored 
wrestling tradition and it is the preferred sport of many Iowa 
households. It has been a hallmark of Iowa athletics for decades and 
its competition remains prominent in the majority of middle schools, 
high schools, state colleges and universities throughout the state 
today. There is a tremendous amount of hard-work, discipline and 
dedication required to succeed in wrestling, common characteristics of 
all Iowans which may explain why we have been so successful in the 
sport for so long.
  The University of Iowa's wrestling program has significantly 
contributed to this success and tradition. It has historically been, 
and remains, considered among the nation's elite programs. In 2008 the 
University of Iowa won its 21st national title, its first since 2000, 
and crowned two individual champions--senior Mark Perry and sophomore 
Brent Metcalf. And, Coach Tom Brands was selected as 2008 Coach of the 
Year.
  Again, I wish to congratulate the Iowa wrestling program on a job 
well done as they celebrate their 2008 national championship and I 
encourage my colleagues to do so as well by adopting this resolution.
  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. 1100, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________