[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E165-E166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              TEXAS FIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, Coach Mack Brown and the Texas 
Longhorn football team had a great football season. The Longhorns 
played tough all year, winning 12 games, and losing only once. Among 
their wins, I would like to especially congratulate them on their 
victory on a neutral field over Oklahoma; a rivalry that has existed 
since 1900. With Texas beating Oklahoma again, it further extends the 
all-time series lead to 58 wins for UT to only 40 for OU.
  For the University of Texas winning titles, championships, and 
individual awards are nothing new. The Longhorns have a rich tradition 
of conference titles, National Championships, and Heisman trophy 
winners. You can ask any player and they will tell you that just having 
the opportunity to play for the University of Texas is the dream of 
every football player in the great state of Texas. UT players are 
almost all from Texas, but occasionally an out of state player has the 
privilege of making his way onto the Longhorn team.
  This year there was once again controversy surrounding the BCS. There 
were several teams including Texas that had legitimate claims to be the 
team playing for a National Championship. I personally think Texas and 
the ``BCS National Champion Florida Gators'' should have a real 
national playoff game and determine the National Championship. Only 
through a playoff system can we have a true National Champion every 
year. NCAA Division II and Division III have a football playoff system 
that works quite well.

[[Page E166]]

  While Texas beat Oklahoma, they were snubbed for the Big 12 
Conference title game, which meant they had no chance to play for the 
National Championship. In addition to this, many felt Colt McCoy should 
have been given more consideration for the Heisman trophy. With 
everything that the Longhorns had to endure, it could have been enough 
for any team to just throw in the towel and give up. However, Coach 
Mack Brown kept his team focused and committed to their motto, ``Texas 
Fight.'' UT went on to play a very good Big 10, Ohio State team in the 
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. In a thrilling game, Colt McCoy led a 
``Heismanesk'' last minute drive and connected with Senior Quan Cosby 
for a 26-yard touchdown that gave Texas the win, 24-21.
  You need to only look at the upbringing of quarterback Colt McCoy and 
receiver Jordan Shipley to see the character the Longhorns are made of. 
Both Colt and Jordan's fathers were teammates and roommates while 
playing football at my Alma Mater, Abilene Christian University. Brad 
McCoy was a receiver and Bob Shipley was a running back. After Bob and 
Brad graduated from ACU they kept in touch, raising their two families 
together. The two families regularly attended church together, went 
fishing, and other family activities. Both Brad McCoy and Bob Shipley 
instilled work ethic, faith in God, and leadership qualities into their 
two boys.
  The character of these two resonates through the whole Longhorn team. 
They are Texas--a team committed to each other, their coaches, and the 
University.
  Madam Speaker, University of Texas football is as much of a part of 
America as the flag and apple pie. It is almost a religion in the burnt 
orange state of Texas.
  I commend the Longhorns and coaches for a great season. I look 
forward to another successful year in '09 along with the 59th win over 
Oklahoma. Hook'em Horns!
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________