[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E686-E687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING MATT HOWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Matt Howard and 
the rest of the Butler University men's basketball team. America 
watched as the Bulldogs demonstrated hard work and personal sacrifice 
throughout the NCAA tournament and achieved what many said was 
impossible. The Dawgs epitomize what the word ``team'' is all about, 
and although they did not take home the trophy, they made their state 
and fellow Bulldogs across the nation proud. As Andrew Carnegie said, 
``teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to obtain uncommon 
results.''
  Matt is one of the Bulldogs I am proud to say is from my district. 
After leading the state in rebounding his senior year at Connersville 
high school, Matt chose to attend Butler University. Matt's work-ethic 
and tenacity on the hardwood translated into the classroom as well 
where he was named to the Capitol One Academic All-America Team for a 
school-record 3 years. He was also named NCAA 2010-2011 Division 1 
Academic All-American of the year, and he recently received the 
prestigious Elite 88 Award for the second consecutive year. Matt is a 
three-time all Horizon League First-Team player, and in 2008-2009 was 
named Horizon League Player of the Year. He's been named to the Horizon 
League All-Tournament team for three consecutive years including the 
tournament's Most Valuable Player in 2010. There is no doubt Matt's 
talent helped advance the Dawgs to the final game of the NCAA 
tournament.
  What many may not know is the incredible support that Matt Howard has 
received not

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only from his family, but from his community. As one of ten children, 
Matt grew up in a strong and loving family. When word spread that the 
Howard family would not be able to attend the Final 4 in Houston, their 
friends and neighbors donated money to pay for the family's travel 
expenses. The town raised over $17,000 and the entire Howard family was 
able to watch Matt play in-person. Acts of kindness like this from a 
small East-Central Indiana town never cease to amaze me.
   Today I echo the pride of Hoosiers across the state on Butler's 
strong performance. And I especially congratulate Matt for his 
leadership and strength of character throughout the tournament.

                          ____________________