[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H2467-H2468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING
HUMANITARIAN BOWL
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1041) congratulating and commending the University
of Idaho's football team for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in
Boise, Idaho.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1041
Whereas the University of Idaho's football team won the
2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho, on December 30, 2009,
its first bowl game in more than a decade;
Whereas Coach Robb Akey led the team to significantly
improve its win-loss record to 8-5 this past season, the
first winning record since 1999;
Whereas the University of Idaho beat Bowling Green
University 43-42 after successfully executing a nail-biting
2-point play in the final seconds of the game;
Whereas senior guard Mike Lupati was named to the Senior
Bowl and as an All-American and Outland Trophy finalist for
best college football interior lineman;
Whereas teammates visited Saint Luke's Regional Medical
Hospital to visit with children patients as part of the
Humanitarian Bowl outreach; and
Whereas University of Idaho supporters look forward to
seeing the team build its promising momentum next season:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates and commends the University of Idaho's
football team for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in
Boise, Idaho; and
(2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches,
students, alumni, and staff who were instrumental in helping
to secure the University of Idaho's Humanitarian Bowl win.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Chu) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous
material on House Resolution 1041 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. CHU. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Idaho
football team for their victory in the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl.
On December 30, football fans nationwide witnessed a thrilling game
as the University of Idaho Vandals defeated the Bowling Green State
University Falcons to win the Humanitarian Bowl title. Both teams
showcased their offense talents, but when the final whistle blew, the
University of Idaho edged out a victory over Bowling Green State
University by a score of 43-42.
The bowl game featured plenty of offense as the two teams traded
touchdowns in one of the most exciting bowl games of the season. The
game was tied and less than a minute left when Bowling Green scored a
go-ahead touchdown. With only 28 seconds left in the game, the
University of Idaho pieced together a 66-yard game-winning drive, and
capped it off with a dramatic two-point conversion, going for the win
instead of a tie and overtime.
In the past 3 years, head coach Robb Akey has challenged his athletes
to become better young men both on and off the field. In 2009, the
University of Idaho earned a winning record for the first time in 10
years, along with a spot in the Humanitarian Bowl. The team closed the
year with the second bowl victory in school history. The only other
time they appeared at the bowl game, they defeated the Southern
Mississippi Golden Eagles in the 1998 Humanitarian Bowl.
Congratulations to running back DeMaundray Woolridge, a senior, who
was named a co-MVP of the game. Woolridge carried Idaho with 126
rushing yards and two third quarter touchdowns.
Congratulations are also due to wide receiver Max Komar for making
the game-winning touchdown catch, which was his only reception of the
game. Komar was the leading University of Idaho receiver and offensive
player of the year during the regular season.
Congratulations to quarterback Nathan Enderle, a junior, who threw
for 240 passing yards and four touchdowns, including the epic game
winner. Enderle finished the season with the seventh best passer
efficiency rating, and was named the team's most valuable player.
Last but not least, congratulations to offensive guard Mike Iupati,
who was the team's offensive captain and a consensus All-American
selection. He is the first University of Idaho player to receive this
honor since 1957. Iupati is considered one of the top prospects
available at his position in the 2010 NFL draft.
The outstanding players and coaches at the University of Idaho
produced a great turnaround season, and their accomplishments are a
testament to their skill and perseverance. The support of students,
alumni, and fans helped bring great pride to the school. Finishing the
season with a winning record and a bowl victory will only push the team
further as fans look forward to a successful 2010 season.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the University of Idaho
football team for their success.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1041,
congratulating and commending the University of Idaho's football team
for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho.
On December 30, 2009, the University of Idaho's football team won the
2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise. The University of Idaho Vandals ended
their outstanding season with a victory over Bowling Green State
University. The Vandals won the game in the closing seconds to take a
43-42 victory for their second Humanitarian Bowl.
Head coach Robb Akey led the team to victory and to its first winning
season since 1999. Senior guard Mike Iupati--and Mike, I apologize if I
mess that up since he is an Outland Trophy finalist--was named to the
Senior Bowl and was named an All-American and Outland Trophy finalist.
The contributions of this outstanding player and coach were a large
part of the Vandals' success this past season. While athletic success
is what brings us here today, we should take time to highlight
academics as well.
The University of Idaho was founded in 1889, and it is the State of
Idaho's
[[Page H2468]]
flagship institution. Located in Moscow, Idaho, it is the State's
oldest public university and the State's land-grant university.
University programs are organized into 10 different colleges, which
have graduated Olympic medalists, NFL coaches, CEOs of Fortune 500
companies, and, of course, Congressmen.
I extend my congratulations to University of Idaho president Duane
Nellis, athletic director Dr. Rob Spear, head coach Robb Akey and his
staff, the hardworking players, and the fans. I wish all continued
success, and I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the
gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Minnick).
Mr. MINNICK. I am delighted that my colleagues from the States of
Tennessee and California recognize that we do play football in Idaho
and at a rather outstanding level, and I would ask that they might take
back, particularly the gentlewoman from California, that word to the
Pac-10 Conference commissioners, and both of you might mention our
strong performance to the BCS, which currently grants teams from my
State second-class status.
The University of Idaho, in particular, is the turnaround story of
the year in football in my part of the country. What coach Robb Akey
has done is taken a mediocre team and, through superior recruiting and
force of leadership, has turned it into its first winning season and
its first Humanitarian Bowl victory in many years.
It's fair to say, with the strong leadership of the coach in his
producing outstanding student athletes like Mike Iupati, who went from
the WAC and this bowl to the Senior Bowl as an All-American, that there
are great things ahead. This league is very competitive, and the word
from Idaho to all of our colleagues in the other 49 States is: The
Vandals are back.
{time} 1430
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1041, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1041.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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