[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING ARIZONA STATE ATHLETICS

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                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2008

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Arizona State University Athletics Program, the top school in Sports 
Illustrated's SI.Com 2007-2008 collegiate athletic rankings. I am proud 
to have such a prestigious athletic and academic institution housed in 
my district!
   This year, Sports Illustrated commissioned its own ranking system 
for top collegiate athletic programs because the magazine believed that 
the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA's) system for 
determining the top collegiate athletics program was too complicated. 
Based upon three qualifications--the number of national championships 
won in the 2007-2008 season, number of top 30 finishes in each sport, 
and the number of conference championships--ASU was awarded the top 
honor.
   The Sun Devils pulled off this feat by claiming three NCAA national 
titles in Men's and Women's Indoor track and ASU Women's softball, four 
conference championships including women's softball, men's baseball, 
men's golf and men's track, and 12 top 30 finishes including a 
surprising top 20 finish in men's football. With three national titles, 
ASU led the NCAA in championships this season. In addition, ASU placed 
fourth in the Director's Cup standings, the official award given out by 
the NCAA for top collegiate athletic programs. This is the Sun Devils' 
highest ranking in school history!
   As an alumnus of Arizona State, I am honored and excited to see my 
alma mater's athletic excellence honored on a national stage. I want to 
congratulate President Michael Crow, athletic director Lisa Love, all 
the coaches and staffs, and most of all, the student athletes who excel 
on the field and in the classroom.
   Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable success 
of Sun Devil athletics. Go, Devils!

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