[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FLYING 
                                  TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2011

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
exceptional accomplishments of the Flying Salukis, the flying team at 
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Under the 
direction of Coach Nathan Lincoln, on May 21, 2011, the Flying Salukis 
won the 2011 National Intercollegiate Flying Association championship, 
concluding a weeklong competition at the Ohio State University Airport. 
The Flying Salukis edged out 26 teams from across the Nation to capture 
the championship title, which is the eighth in the history of Southern 
Illinois University's aviation program, and the first since 1985.
  With 10 team members scoring a total of 414 points, the Flying 
Salukis won the title by nine points over the University of North 
Dakota, a two-time defending champion. The team placed in all 11 
events, demonstrating a very well-rounded lineup in both flight and 
ground events at the competition. Michael Carroll, from Normal, Ill., 
and one of three team captains, gave a truly exceptional performance, 
scoring 121 points to become the top-scoring pilot in the Nation and 
finishing second for the national top pilot award.
  In addition, the team won three individual titles. Taylor Bream, from 
Lake Villa, Ill., won the short-field approach and landing; Ryan 
Veldman, from Lexington, Ky., won the power-off landing event; and co-
captain Daniel Harrington, from Monee, Ill., won the SCAN title. Other 
team members who scored in events were Scott Blair, from Bloomington, 
Ill.; David Brown, from Chicago, Ill.; Ryan Buttney, from Lemont, Ill.; 
Daniel McMahon, from Edina, Mo.; Joshua Mech, from Sheboygan, Wis.; and 
Samuel Oas, from Villa Park, Ill.
  Additional members of the Flying Salukis for the 2011 spring semester 
include: Courtney Copping, from St. Charles, Ill.; Kyle Hayes, from 
Bourbonnais, Ill.; Justin Lopez, also from Bourbonnais; Michael 
Szemplinski, from Geneva, Ill.; and George ``Rusty'' Wharton, III, from 
Goodfield.
  I also want to recognize the Flying Salukis' assistant coaches: 
senior lecturer Bryan Harrison, assistant instructors Jeffrey Jaynes, 
Kevin Krongos and Sabrina Zwego, and also Kim Carter, a senior lecturer 
and academic adviser. In addition to teaching as faculty members in the 
aviation flight program, these individuals dedicate a great deal of 
time after classes to assist Coach Lincoln and the team members, and we 
appreciate their hard work.
  Mr. Speaker, Southern Illinois University has a proud tradition in 
teaching, research and public service, and it is also very well known 
for its nationally competitive athletic and extracurricular teams. The 
Flying Salukis have once again demonstrated exactly why this 
university's aviation program continually ranks as one of the best in 
the nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Flying Salukis and their coaches, as well as the faculty and students 
at Southern Illinois University for their continuing commitment to 
excellence.

                          ____________________