[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 87 (Thursday, June 11, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NORTHWESTERN'S NCAA CHAMPIONS

  Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure and sincere 
pride that I congratulate the Northwestern University women's lacrosse 
team on winning another NCAA Championship.
  As a lifelong Illinoisan and an avid sports fan, I am happy to 
celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of these young women.
  In a crowded field of worthy contenders from across the Nation, this 
Wildcat team rose to the occasion and claimed a fifth straight national 
title.
  Their consistency, grit, and determination is exemplified by their 
perfect record for the season: 23 to 0, capped off by a resounding 
victory over the third-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels.
  The Northwestern women's lacrosse team also consistently ranks in the 
top 10 to 15 percent of academic achievement in the NCAA's Annual 
Academic Report.
  It is clear from their record that the Wildcats excelled every time 
they took the field, but, more importantly, they excelled in the 
classroom and in the community.
  I am proud of this team because they recognized that ``student'' is 
supposed to come before ``athlete'' in the phrase ``student athlete.''
  For many athletes, college sports have become a launching pad for 
fame and fortune, but on this team you may find doctors, lawyers, and 
maybe even a senator or two.
  Although the games may not have been broadcast to a national audience 
or as widely covered by the media, the women's lacrosse team deserves 
just as much recognition as their male counterparts.
  They have sacrificed sleep for early morning workouts, weekends for 
competition, and played a sport that practically requires the 
commitment of a full-time job, but all the while, they continued to 
attend class and maintain their studies.
  College athletics require a remarkable amount of dedication, and this 
team deserves notable recognition even if their scores weren't reported 
on the nightly news or the front page of newspapers. Their demonstrated 
character and sportsmanship marks them as role models for aspiring 
athletes throughout the State. Their athletic performance and strong 
record of academic achievement place them at the pinnacle of 
intercollegiate success. Although several players may be honored with 
individual awards, this national title belongs to each and every member 
of the team.
  This victory reminds us that we have the chance to shine only with 
the support of our comrades, our friends, our teammates. It is through 
persistent and concerted effort that we reach our potential, and when 
we inevitably fall, it is only through the strength and grace of our 
friends that we can pick ourselves up and journey onward.
  The teamwork displayed by these young women throughout the season, 
even under mounting pressure and enormous expectations, allowed them to 
carry the day. They have done their university, and their State, proud. 
We should all draw inspiration from their fine example.
  With this championship, the Northwestern Wildcats have cemented their 
position as the top Lacrosse program in the country. They are quickly 
approaching the record of seven consecutive titles currently held by 
Maryland, and, like many Illinoisans, I can hardly wait for what will 
surely be an exciting season next year.
  It is with great pride that Senator Durbin and I come together to 
celebrate this national championship. And we are proud to offer a 
Senate resolution congratulating these talented athletes.
  In the spirit of good sportsmanship displayed by the Northwestern 
women's lacrosse team throughout the season, I ask my colleagues to 
join with us in congratulating these student athletes on their 
remarkable accomplishment.

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