[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H2542-H2545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING DUKE UNIVERSITY ON WINNING THE NCAA BASKETBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1242) congratulating the Duke University men's
basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball
National Championship.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1242
Whereas on April 5, 2010, the Duke University Blue Devils
defeated the Butler University Bulldogs by a score of 61-59
in the finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(hereinafter referred to as the ``NCAA'') Division I Men's
Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana;
Whereas the Blue Devils now hold 4 national men's
basketball titles, winning NCAA championships in 1991, 1992,
2001, and 2010;
Whereas Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski improved his
record to 868-279, won his 77th NCAA tournament game, the
most in NCAA history, and won his fourth national
championship, making him tied with Adolph Rupp for second
most championships in NCAA history;
Whereas Coach Krzyzewski and his coaching staff, including
Assistant Coaches Chris Collins, Steve Wojciechowski, and
Nate James, as well as each manager, trainer, and staff
member, deserve praise and credit for helping the Blue Devils
reach the pinnacle of college basketball;
Whereas the Blue Devil team roster included seniors Jordan
Davidson, Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas, and Brian Zoubek,
juniors Steve Johnson, Casey Peters, Kyle Singler, and Nolan
Smith, sophomores Seth Curry and Miles Plumlee, and freshmen
Andre Dawkins, Ryan Kelly, Mason Plumlee, and Todd
Zafirovski;
Whereas junior Kyle Singler was named the Most Outstanding
Player of the Final Four, scoring 19 points and collecting 9
rebounds while playing all 40 minutes in the championship
game;
Whereas Blue Devils Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan
Smith were each named to the all-tournament team;
Whereas during the 2009-2010 season, the Duke Blue Devils
finished with a record of 35-5, tied for the most wins, and
scored a total of 3079 points;
Whereas the Blue Devils went undefeated on their home court
in Cameron Indoor Stadium for the 2009-2010 regular season;
Whereas the Duke Blue Devils won the 2010 Atlantic Coast
Conference (hereinafter referred to as the ``ACC'')
Tournament, their record 18 such tournament championship, and
won a share of the ACC regular-season championship with a
conference record of 13-3;
Whereas the Duke Blue Devils have played in 15 Final Fours
and have played in at least one Final Four in 6 consecutive
decades;
Whereas the Blue Devils have amassed a record overall
winning percentage of 75.8 percent in the NCAA tournament;
Whereas the Blue Devil players, coaches, and staff are
outstanding representatives of Duke University, a top ten
university that is recognized annually as a national leader
in academics and research;
Whereas in addition to their skill on the court, the Duke
men's basketball team upholds a high standard of academic
excellence, achieving an overall graduation success rate of
92 percent;
Whereas the Duke men's basketball program has had 31 ACC
All-Academic basketball teams over the last 14 years, has had
at least one player on the ACC All-Academic basketball team
for a record 16 straight years, has received 5 Academic All-
America selections over the past 12 years, and has had at
least one team member on the ACC All-Academic basketball team
in 23 of the last 26 years for a total of 46 selections;
Whereas the Blue Devils showed tremendous dedication to
their team, appreciation to their fans, sportsmanship toward
their opponents, and respect for the game of basketball
throughout the 2009-2010 season;
Whereas Duke students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all fans
of the Blue Devils are to be congratulated for their
sportsmanship, dedication, and support of their team; and
Whereas the Blue Devils' 2010 NCAA championship further
solidifies the tradition of basketball excellence that exists
in the State of North Carolina, whose universities have won 4
of the last 10 NCAA championships: Now, therefore, be it--
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates the 2010 national champions, the Duke
University Blue Devils, for their win in the 2010 National
Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Basketball
Tournament;
(2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches,
students, and support staff who were instrumental in the Blue
Devils' victory;
(3) invites the Duke University men's basketball team to
the United States Capitol Building to be honored; and
(4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
make available enrolled copies of this resolution to Duke
University President Richard H. Brodhead, Athletic Director
Kevin White, and Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski for appropriate
display.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Capps). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge) and the gentlewoman from Washington
(Mrs. McMorris Rogers) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
General Leave
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on H.
Res. 1242 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Ms. FUDGE. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Duke University men's
basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball
National Championship.
When the final buzzer sounded in the 2010 Men's Basketball NCAA
Championship game, two exceptional college basketball programs' seasons
came to an end. Both the Duke University Blue Devils and the Butler
University Bulldogs played with exceptional talent and dedication. The
ball pressure and stifling defenses from both teams led to a low-
scoring, yet entertaining, game. The game included five ties, 15 lead
changes, and two potentially game-winning shots. In the end, Duke
seized their fourth NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, cementing its
legacy in college basketball history.
With a 61-59 victory Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Duke
University Blue Devils proved that they are still one of the country's
most elite college basketball programs. The Blue Devils finished their
regular 2009-2010 season strongly, with a 35-5 record, followed by
winning the 2010 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. In addition,
they were cochampions of the ACC with a record of 13-3, while earning
an NCAA tournament number 1 seed. In a tournament where the top seeds
were falling and upsets were ample, the Blue Devils consistently
dominated their opponents.
This Blue Devils men's basketball season marked Coach Mike
Krzyzewski's 30th season at Duke and his fourth NCAA Men's Basketball
Championship. Better known as Coach K, Coach K has led Duke to the
Final Four 11 times during his time with the
[[Page H2543]]
team, and this game was his 868th career win as a coach. The 2010 NCAA
championship game marked his 77th NCAA tournament game, the most in
NCAA history. He won his fourth national championship and tied Adolph
Rupp for second most in NCAA history.
Kyle Singler was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player,
scoring 19 points and collecting nine rebounds while playing all 40
minutes in the championship game. He has been a leader and a remarkable
asset to the Blue Devils all season. Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer, and
Nolan Smith were each named to the all-tournament team. I congratulate
these men and all of the players on a great victory.
The alumni, faculty, and staff have much to be proud of. With over a
75 percent winning rate in the NCAA tournament, the rest of the country
measures themselves to Duke.
Once again, I congratulate Duke on winning the national championship.
I thank Representative Price for bringing this bill forward.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
I rise today in support of House Resolution 1242, congratulating the
Duke University men's basketball team. The Duke University Blue Devils
men's basketball team has a national reputation for excellence. The
team has won four NCAA Division I National Championships, and has been
among the Final Four 15 times since 1980. Seventy-one Duke players have
been drafted into the NBA, and 11 players have been named the National
Player of the Year. Duke has won the most Atlantic Coast Tournament
championships and has also had numerous successful regular seasons.
In the 2010 NCAA championship game, Duke took the victory over Butler
with a final score of 61-59. Butler played a very competitive game,
keeping the score incredibly close throughout the entire game; however,
Duke pulled ahead by one point each half to take the victory.
Although we are celebrating Duke's athletic excellence, we should
take a moment to recognize the quality of Duke's academic programs.
Duke University has two undergraduate schools and nine graduate and
professional schools. In the 2010 edition, U.S. News & World Report
ranked the university's undergraduate program 10th among national
universities, and ranked the medical, law, and business schools among
the top 12 in the United States. Duke also is known to be among the
Nation's top research universities.
I rise today to congratulate Duke University's men's basketball team
and Coach K for winning the 2010 NCAA National Championship. I ask my
colleagues to join in support of this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentleman
from North Carolina (Mr. Price) for as much time as he may consume.
Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague (Ms.
Fudge) for yielding, and I thank her and Mrs. McMorris Rogers for their
support of H. Res. 1242 and their help in bringing it to the floor.
I am the proud sponsor of this resolution, which congratulates the
Duke University men's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA
Division I National Championship. I have introduced the resolution as
the Member of this body privileged to represent Duke University, and
I'm pleased to say that it has the support of the entire North Carolina
delegation.
From its roots as tiny Trinity College in 1838 to its current status
as one of the world's premiere research and educational institutions,
Duke University, like its basketball team, is a testament to the
virtues of hard work, determination, and excellence--in the classroom,
in the community, and in Cameron Indoor Stadium as well.
I actually have the distinction, not always enviable, of representing
both sides of college basketball's most intense rivalry. UNC-Chapel
Hill is just down the road from Duke. It's also in the Fourth District.
I've had an interesting vantage point, having attended UNC and having
taught at Duke. Trust me, I understand the importance of team loyalties
to Members of Congress, and I also understand the need, occasionally,
to balance these loyalties. But I think we can all agree today that the
Blue Devils should be commended, and they should be commended
unanimously, for reaching this pinnacle of men's college basketball.
At the risk of stoking the flames, let me just talk about the record
for a moment. I'd be remiss if I didn't remind my colleagues that the
Duke Blue Devils have a long history of success at men's basketball.
They've played in 15 Final Fours, and this is their fourth title win in
the last two decades.
Despite this record, the team wasn't favored to win a national
championship at the beginning of this season. But they peaked at the
right time. They finished the year with 10 straight wins. They shared
the ACC regular season championship and won outright the ACC tournament
championship and the national championship. They finished the season
with a 35-5 record, a tie for the most wins this season nationally.
This improbable end to this season underscores that anything is
possible in basketball as in politics. It's also a testament to the
very idea of what a team should be, greater than the sum of its parts,
an idea Duke teams have long exemplified.
I will enclose in the Record at the end of this statement the full
roster of this remarkable team, the men on the team and their
hometowns.
Special credit is due to head coach Mike Krzyzewski, known far and
wide as Coach K, who's built one of college basketball's most stellar
programs since he came to Duke in 1980. This season Coach K brought his
overall record to 868-279. He won his 77th NCAA tournament game, and he
won his fourth national championship. Needless to say, this places this
Hall of Famer in elite company. Only Adolph Rupp and John Wooden have
won an equal or greater number of national championships.
But his achievements have not been bounded by the baselines of the
court. Coach K's success is about mentoring young men, about coaching
them to succeed, not just on the court, but also in the classroom and
in life. His teams consistently uphold a high standard of academic
excellence, achieving a graduation success rate of 92 percent and
boasting a strong tradition of Academic All-Americans.
Each step of the way the team was buoyed by its fans, its incredible
fans--the Cameron Crazies, they're called--who make Duke's Cameron
Indoor Stadium one of the toughest places to win in the country. That
again proved true this year when the Blue Devils went undefeated on
their home court.
This year's national championship game was considered by many to be
one of the closest and most exciting title games in tournament history.
It literally came down to the last shot.
Butler University and Coach Brad Stevens are also to be congratulated
for their strong season and for their effort in a title game that
reminded us anew of why the American people simply can't resist March
Madness. Both teams deserve recognition for their dedication to
sportsmanship and fair play throughout the entire season.
So it's a unique privilege, Madam Speaker, to introduce, I have to
note for the second year in a row, the resolution in this body
recognizing the NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion. And I'd like,
Madam Speaker, for the Record to reflect that I'll be perfectly happy
to introduce such a resolution again next year.
In the meantime, I and Duke's many friends and alumni in this body
look forward to welcoming the Blue Devils to the White House and to
Capitol Hill.
Duke Blue Devils Roster 2009-2010 Season:
#2 Nolan Smith--Upper Marlboro, MD
#3 Seth Curry--Charlotte, NC
#5 Mason Plumlee--Warsaw, IN
#12 Kyle Singler--Medford, OR
#20 Andre Dawkins--Chesapeake, VA
#21 Miles Plumlee--Warsaw, IN
#30 Jon Scheyer--Northbrook, IL
#34 Ryan Kelly--Raleigh, NC
#41 Jordan Davidson--Melbourne, AR
#42 Lance Thomas--Scotch Plains, NJ
#51 Steve Johnson--Colorado Springs, CO
#52 Todd Zafirovski--Lake Forest, IL
#53 Casey Peters--Red Bank, NJ
#55 Brian Zoubek--Haddonfield, NJ
{time} 1415
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr.
Pence) for such time as he may consume.
(Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
[[Page H2544]]
Mr. PENCE. I rise today to begrudgingly support this resolution and
offer my congratulations to Duke, Coach K, and to all of those
outstanding players for the NCAA men's national championship game.
Now that being said, I would be remiss, since I will have been
married 25 years to a graduate of Butler University, to fail to also
rise and commend Coach Brad Stevens and the small but mighty basketball
team that America became enamored of in this year's tournament, simply
known as ``Them Dogs'' back in Indiana and the Butler University
Bulldogs to the rest of the country.
Taking nothing away from Duke, an outstanding university and an
outstanding program, or Coach K, I have to tell you I was especially
moved when I think it was the day before the basketball game when there
was all of the talk about David and Goliath, all the talk of underdogs,
and Coach K, being the class act that he is, went before the national
press and said, Enough of this talk about underdogs. Butler is a really
good basketball team. And anyone who tuned in that night--and my ears
are still ringing from Mrs. Pence's enthusiasm that night--saw that the
case was proved.
Ultimately, Duke carried the day, but with the news that coach Brad
Stevens has signed a long-term contract to stay in Indiana--and I think
we're only losing one player next year--I say to my distinguished
colleagues, representing and speaking on behalf of Duke, See you next
year. Congratulations.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentlewoman
from California (Ms. Richardson) for 3 minutes.
Ms. RICHARDSON. I rise today to congratulate the Duke University
men's basketball team for winning the 2010 Division I National
Championship and in support of H. Res. 1242.
Now, after listening to talk about ``Them Dogs'' and the ``Blue
Devils,'' being a Bruin and a Trojan myself, I thought we needed to
weigh in and extend our congratulations.
This spectacular season by the Duke Blue Devils capped by a
thrilling, hard-fought victory against the Butler Bulldogs in the NCAA
tournament finals last Monday night is another proud chapter in Duke's
very long history of success. As a graduate of both UCLA and USC--and
that's USC, University of Southern California, not University of South
Carolina--as I found since coming to Congress here--I'm a former
basketball player and I understand what it takes in terms of hard work,
intense focus, and a tireless dedication required by both players, team
members and the university itself.
Particularly when we look at the Duke men's basketball team that, as
has already been stated, has 15 Final Four appearances, 11, I believe,
under the name of Coach K, when you consider that accomplishment, it
will long be filled with the histories of college basketball, of the
incredible commitment that this university has done not only on the
court but off the court as well.
When I look at Coach K and we hear about all of his commitment to his
players and we consider his record, the fourth national championship
and how Coach K has now tied Adolph Rupp, I would like to point out,
though, that he still has six more to catch my alma mater, which is
John Wooden of UCLA. But we welcome that challenge.
In addition, when we talk about Coach K, Mr. Pence talked about his
mentorship, and I read a little bit about his commitment, of being a
role model and the positive impact he wants to have on young men--not
only with Duke University but the other young men who were watching how
Duke played and were carrying themselves.
But, finally, I would like to commend Congressman David Price not
only for sponsoring this resolution but for his success, something many
of us in Congress could figure out how to do, how he can represent both
the Duke Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels who
won the championship last year, as he mentioned.
Any college basketball fan knows that the Duke-UNC rivalry is only
second to the UCLA-USC rivalry. And I've got to tell you, it's tough
living in my household having those battles. It takes exceptional skill
and diplomacy to successfully represent both ends of Tobacco Road,
skills that my colleague from North Carolina possesses in abundance.
I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Congressman Price.
And in terms of the resolution next year, I'm willing to wager a bet.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. I would like to yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton).
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Let me just say that I am a great admirer of
Duke University. I lean a little more toward Butler since I'm from
Indianapolis, Indiana, and I thought Duke played a great game. And I
want you to know, there is no truth to the rumor that Butler
intentionally missed that last basketball shot because they didn't want
to hurt Duke's feelings. Are you listening over there?
Anyhow, congratulations to Duke University and to Butler University.
Butler is a very small school. It's a private school in Indianapolis,
and for them to reach the final game in the national championship is a
real tribute not only to the school and the players but to a great
young coach who's only been coaching for 3 years. And of course the
Duke Blue Devils are always tough, and I'm very proud to say we want to
congratulate them. But the Bulldogs did a great job. They were a great
team, and next year we're going to get them.
Mr. McHENRY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1242,
a resolution congratulating the Duke University Men's Basketball team
for winning the 2010 NCAA National Championship. As a cosponsor of H.
Res. 1242, I would like to commend my colleague from Chapel Hill, Mr.
Price, for bringing this bipartisan resolution to the floor today,
particularly since he previously served as a Professor in Political
Science at Duke before coming to Congress.
On Monday, April 5, 2010, the Duke Blue Devils outlasted an
outstanding team from Butler University by a score of 61-59 to win the
NCAA National Championship. In the closest National Championship game
played since 1989, the Blue Devils--with the starting line up of Jon
Scheyer, Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith, Lance Thomas, and Brian Zoubek--
captured the school's fourth national title behind the leadership of
Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Madam Speaker, the Blue Devils finished the season with a record of
35-5, and on the way to the National Championship, they set a school
record in home victories by going undefeated with a mark of 17-0 at
historic Cameron Indoor Stadium. Furthermore, Duke won a share of the
Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship with a record of
13-3 and won a record 18th ACC Tournament title.
While this National Championship was truly a team effort, it is
difficult to overlook the individual contributions that guided this
championship run. Kyle Singler was named Final Four Most Outstanding
Player and ACC Tournament MVP. Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith were also
named to the all-tournament team, and Brian Zoubek averaged 10 rebounds
per game throughout the NCAA Tournament. These contributions, among
many others, led the Blue Devils to the championship.
Madam Speaker, in his 30th year at the helm of the Blue Devils, Head
Coach Mike Krzyzewski coached his 1,000th game at Duke, led the Blue
Devils to his 11th Final Four appearance--tying the legendary North
Carolina Coach Dean Smith--and 8th National Championship game
appearance. In leading Duke to the 2010 National Championship, Coach K
tied legendary Kentucky Coach Adoph Rupp with four national
championships.
During his time at Duke, Coach K has built a program that embraces
the idea of the student-athlete. In addition to the numerous athletic
accomplishments, the Blue Devils have also excelled in the classroom.
In a study conducted by the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
at the University of Central Florida, the Duke Blue Devils achieved a
92% graduation rate, ranking Duke among the highest of the 65 schools
that qualified for the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
Madam Speaker, I believe Duke students, alumni, and fans in my
Congressional District in Western North Carolina--as well as across the
state and nation--can take pride in the accomplishments made by the
2009-2010 Duke Blue Devils. This team represented Duke University, the
State of North Carolina, and the ACC in a way that truly embodies the
spirit of college athletics. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.
Res. 1242.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. I yield back the balance of our time.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I ask support for House Resolution 1242,
and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by
[[Page H2545]]
the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1242.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the
ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a
quorum is not present.
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.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
____________________