[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 19, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H155-H157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1007) commending the University of Alabama for
winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1007
Whereas, on January 7, 2010, the University of Alabama
Crimson Tide defeated the University of Texas Longhorns, 37-
21, in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National
Championship Game in Pasadena, California;
Whereas the University of Alabama located in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, has become one of the premier athletic and academic
institutions in the country;
Whereas the University of Alabama has been the Southeastern
Conference (SEC) Football Champion a record-setting 22 times;
Whereas the University of Alabama has made an NCAA-record
57 bowl appearances;
Whereas the Crimson Tide players won many individual
accomplishments throughout the season including, Mark Ingram
as the first player from the University of Alabama to win the
Heisman Trophy, Rolando McClain as the Butkus Award Winner,
and 6 players selected as Associated Press First Team All
Americans;
Whereas Mark Ingram rushed for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns
to be named the Offensive Most Valuable Player of the BCS
National Championship Game;
Whereas Marcell Dareus returned an interception for a
touchdown and was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of
the BCS National Championship Game;
Whereas the Crimson Tide defense held the University of
Texas to 276 offensive yards and forced 5 turnovers during
the BCS National Championship Game;
Whereas Nick Saban in his third year as head coach led the
University of Alabama to its first National Championship
since 1992; and
Whereas residents of Alabama and Crimson Tide fans
worldwide are to be commended for their longstanding support,
perseverance, and pride in the team: Now, therefore, be it
[[Page H156]]
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends the University of Alabama for winning the Bowl
Championship Series National Championship;
(2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches,
students, and support staff who were instrumental in the
victory; and
(3) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
transmit a copy of this resolution to University of Alabama
President Dr. Robert E. Witt and head coach Nick Saban for
appropriate display.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Hawaii.
General Leave
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for 5 legislative
days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous
material on H. Res. 1007 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Hawaii?
There was no objection.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Alabama
football team for their victory in the 2010 Bowl Championship Series
National Championship Game.
On January 7, football fans all across the country were treated to an
exceptional game as the University of Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the
University of Texas Longhorns to win the national title. With the
defeat of the Longhorns team by a score of 37-21, the championship game
marked an NCAA record of 57 bowl appearances for the Crimson Tide.
This was the Crimson Tide's first title since 1992, its eighth since
the advent of the polls in the 1930s, and its seventh number one
Associated Press title. This year's team earned a 14-0 season record
and won the Associated Press title unanimously. The team's win brought
a fourth consecutive title back to the Southeastern Conference. The
Crimson Tide had won all season on the strength of their defense and
running game, and they did so again in the championship game.
The outstanding players and coaches produced a great season, winning
numerous awards and gaining exceptional praise from all over the
athletic world, including the National Football Foundation and the
Football Writers Association. Both rewarded the team with honorary
awards.
Congratulations to Mark Ingram, who received the Heisman Trophy,
becoming the first University of Alabama player and the third sophomore
in history to win the award. Ingram won the award by only 28 points,
the closest finish in the Heisman award's 75-year-long history. A
Dean's List student at the University of Alabama, Ingram excels both on
and off the field. He ran 116 yards in the championship game and scored
2 touchdowns on 22 carries, leading his team to victory and to his
being named the offensive most valuable player of the game.
Congratulations are also due to defensive end Marcell Dareus, also a
sophomore at the university, who was named defensive most valuable
player of the game. Dareus made the game's key defensive play in the
second quarter with an interception return for a 28-yard touchdown run.
I want to extend my congratulations to Head Coach Nick Saban. In the
short span of 3 years, Saban took a program that had struggled to find
success and brought it back to championship caliber. A two-time
National Coach of the Year, Saban has achieved resounding success as a
head coach. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as an
outstanding leader, organizer, and motivator. His commitment to
rebuilding the total college football program at the University of
Alabama, paired with his conviction to make his players the best that
they can be, has led his team to be leaders on and off the field. His
team has repeatedly exhibited grit, determination, and resilience,
often overcoming adversity to achieve victory.
The extraordinary achievement of this year's team is a tribute to the
skill and dedication of all the players, as well as coaches, students,
alumni, families, and fans that have helped to make the University of
Alabama a premier football program. Winning the national championship,
finishing the season with a 14-0 overall record, and leading the
Southeastern Conference to another championship has brought national
acclaim to the University of Alabama and great pride to those that care
for the school. I know the fans of the university will revel in this
great triumph as they look forward to the 2010 season.
Mr. Speaker, once again I congratulate the University of Alabama
football team for their tremendous success.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1007,
and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today commending the University of Alabama for
winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in
Pasadena. It is special to me for three quick reasons, among others.
One, my brother is a graduate of the University of Alabama, both the
undergrad and the law school, in Tuscaloosa. And really good friends of
mine had a son, number 75, Barrett Jones, the right guard--I think he
played both sides--but an outstanding young man. His mother was a high
school classmate of mine, and his father and his father's family are
good friends of ours, and I wish them a lot of luck.
Another thing is, there have been two coaches in the SEC to win SEC
championships from two different schools. One is Nick Saban, who won it
at LSU and now at Alabama, and Bear Bryant who won it at Alabama and
the University of Kentucky.
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa. It was founded in
1831. The University of Alabama is the oldest and largest of the
State's major research universities, with student enrollment of
approximately 29,000. The university has 12 academic divisions and
houses the only publicly supported law school in Alabama.
The University of Alabama is widely recognized as a premier
university. The university is consistently ranked among the top 50
public universities by U.S. News & World Report and has the most
students of any institution named to the USA Today All-USA College
Academic Team. The University of Alabama is widely known as one of the
Nation's flagship public universities. And one special person to be
affiliated and attend the law school is Harper Lee, who wrote ``To Kill
a Mockingbird,'' a very special lady to the citizens of Alabama and the
country.
The University of Alabama's athletic program has excelled throughout
the history of the institution. The Alabama Crimson Tide football
program was started in 1892 and is the university's most nationally
known athletic program. The program has won 22 SEC titles, 13 national
championships, and, this year, one Heisman Trophy. The Crimson Tide has
also produced 18 Hall of Famers and 96 All-Americans.
On January 7, the University of Alabama won the 2009 BCS championship
game against the University of Texas. Sophomore running back and
Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram was named the team's offensive MVP,
and sophomore defensive end Marcell Dareus was named the defensive MVP.
I congratulate the University of Alabama, the team, and Head Coach
Nick Saban on winning this BCS championship. And I congratulate Mark
Ingram and the team for winning the 2009 Heisman Trophy. After Alabama
won the 1978 national championship in a very famous and legendary
college game against Penn State in the Sugar Bowl on December 31, 1978,
just the previous spring the University of Kentucky had won the
national championship in basketball; so immediately the next weekend or
so they played each other in basketball, and I will never forget the
University of Kentucky fans unfolding a banner that said
``Congratulations from one champion to another.''
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It showed a lot of class for my fellow Kentuckians to do that to
another school. But it showed a lot of spirit in the SEC and the pride
we have in each other. And of course after last night, and we expect
this weekend, the University of Kentucky's basketball team will be
ranked number one. So hopefully, after this spring, the University of
Alabama fans, like my friend from Birmingham here with me today, will
[[Page H157]]
be able to congratulate our team, the University of Kentucky, on
winning the national championship following Alabama this year. That is
our hope. And I endorse this resolution. I urge my colleagues to
support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I notice my friend, Mr. Bachus, the
introducer of this resolution, probably awaiting a chance to make some
remarks. So I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to
Mr. Bachus from Alabama.
Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from Hawaii
and the gentleman from Kentucky, and the Education and Labor Committee
for expediting this resolution, and for your kind words in support of
the University of Alabama and its fine football team upon winning the
national championship.
And Mr. Speaker, I thank you and the Congress for giving the Alabama
delegation the opportunity to congratulate the University of Alabama
and its football team for winning the national championship. All
members of the Alabama delegation have joined with me and Congressman
Artur Davis. I and he are the lead cosponsors of this resolution.
This is a celebration of the culmination of a very successful season
on and off the field of play. And as I say, it culminated in the game
between the University of Alabama and University of Texas, two teams
that exemplify college football and college athletics at its best.
In the previous year, Alabama was undefeated, but then lost to
Florida in the SEC championship game and Utah in the Sugar Bowl.
Disappointing losses like that might tear some teams apart. Instead, it
made the university's coaching staff and players even more committed
and determined to put in the hard work and dedication needed to make it
all the way to the top. The hard work started in spring practice and
continued through the long fall schedule.
One important lesson is never allow your defeats to hold you back.
Last week we honored Mark Ingram, who also has overcome challenges to
win the Heisman Trophy. Alabama did this, they put the last two defeats
of the former season behind them and dedicated them to the year ahead.
To make it to the national championship game, you must have the
discipline to win in the regular season week in and week out. Alabama
always came prepared to play to the very end, whether it was in the
season opener against a talented Virginia Tech team, or against the
demanding competition in the SEC, which many believe is presently the
toughest football conference in the Nation, although I am sure some of
my colleagues would debate that.
There were games won by comfortable margins, and there were close
calls against the University of Tennessee and Auburn University. There
was the return match-up with Florida, the defending SEC champion and
the defending national champion, and its outstanding quarterback, Tim
Tebow, in the SEC title game.
Each game and each victory was a building block towards the BCS
championship game on January 7, where the team achieved its ultimate
goal. The match-up in Pasadena was fitting because the University of
Alabama and the University of Texas both have proud football histories,
with legendary coaches, with coaches like Paul ``Bear'' Bryant and
Darrell Royal.
The fans on both sides were avid and dedicated, who came out so to
support their teams in great number and with great enthusiasm. But in
doing so, they were very respectful and hospitable towards each other.
That is the way college athletics should be. That is the way that
things should be on the floor of this House. And we should all be
committed to that. And I think that we are.
The game itself had inspiring personal stories. The quarterback for
Texas, Colt McCoy, is a fine young man. When he was injured, his team
took from his example and never gave up, fighting until the end.
Alabama's quarterback, Greg McElroy, quietly played with two broken
ribs. Alabama running back Mark Ingram, the MVP of the game and the
first Heisman Trophy winner in school history, is a student-athlete of
outstanding character and spirit. But it was a team effort. In the end,
Alabama came out on top, and finished the season with a perfect 14-0
record, and its first national championship season since 1992, under
Coach Gene Stallings.
There was another undefeated team, and that was Boise State
University. And I congratulate coach Chris Peterson of Boise State.
When someone said they should be invited to the White House together
with the University of Alabama, he graciously said there is only one
national champion, that is the University of Alabama, and they should
be invited. So I congratulate Boise State University on their
successful undefeated year, as do all citizens of Alabama.
The passionate fans in Alabama can be very proud of the way that
their student-athletes have represented both the university and the
state. I commend President Dr. Robert Witt and his administration, and
Coach Nick Saban and his fine staff, for setting high standards on and
off the field. And last but not least, we congratulate the alumni, the
fans, and the students of the University of Alabama for their support.
But most of all, it was the players, the athletes, each and every one
of them. Through their hard work, these players have earned the right
to be called champions. We at Alabama salute them, are proud of them,
and we appreciate the opportunity to honor them with this resolution.
Ms. HIRONO. I would like to ask whether the gentleman from Kentucky
has any further speakers.
Mr. GUTHRIE. I have no further requests for time.
In closing, and I should have said before about Boise State, they had
an outstanding team this year. And I also want to close with Texas. I
didn't mention the University of Texas. What a quality program, quality
athletes, quality coach. And there was a special relationship with a
Colt McCoy, the quarterback, and Jordan Shipley, the wide receiver. If
people had a chance to watch the game, Colt McCoy I think went out on
the second possession injured.
If the story that I have heard is correct, which has been told to me,
is their fathers played together at Abilene Christian University in
Abilene, Texas. And so these kids have known each other their entire
life, and probably were sitting on the stage that they had always
dreamed of played together their entire life, and then within the
second series Colt McCoy was injured. If you watched the game, there
was nobody that played as well on the field that night as Jordan
Shipley. And I imagine he just increased his game to make up for his
friend. And that just shows the class of Texas. Those are two athletes
I mentioned. All of them are wonderful and fantastic young men. And I
want to congratulate them as well.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to congratulate the
University of Alabama for their tremendous win. And I in particular
would like to thank my friend, Mr. Bachus, for his comments about how
good sportsmanship should be played on all fields, including this
field.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1007.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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