[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1037-E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          LAMAR MEN'S BASKETBALL OUTSTANDING 2007-2008 SEASON

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, during the 1970's and 80s the Lamar 
University Cardinals dominated Southland Conference basketball, at one 
point putting together 80 straight home wins, which is still the 7th 
longest home winning streak in NCAA history.
  Lamar men's basketball continued this winning tradition with an 
outstanding 2007-2008 season. Led by first team all-conference 
performers Kenny Dawkins and Lamar Sanders, and All-Conference 
Honorable mention Darren Hopkins, Lamar Men's Basketball team and their 
coach Steve Roccaforte posted a 19-11 record. Earning its 12th 
conference title and first since the 1982-83 season. Coach Roccaforte 
guided the Cardinals to the title in only his second year at the helm, 
which ties him with legendary Lamar coach Billy Tubbs as fastest to 
conference championship in school history.
  The effort and resilience shown by the Lamar Men's Basketball team 
and staff has been nothing short of tremendous. In a season that did 
not start as planned, the Cardinals never gave in. Lamar started the 
season with a disappointing 1-5 record; however, the self-confident 
Cardinals turned their season around. Coach Roccaforte said the turning

[[Page E1038]]

point in their season was a narrow two point loss to Big 12 conference 
power Texas Tech. With renewed confidence the Cardinals went on a tear 
winning 13 out of their next 14 games, propelling them to the regular 
season conference title.
  On behalf of the entire Second Congressional District of Texas I 
would like to commend Lamar University Men's Basketball team hard 
fought season and congratulate them on a well deserved Conference 
Title.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________