[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ON 
                      THEIR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Indiana Wesleyan University Men's Basketball team for winning the 2016 
NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. Indiana 
Wesleyan University (IWU), a Christian university located in Marion, 
Indiana, has a long history of excellence in academics, spiritual 
guidance, and athletics. The IWU men's basketball team defeated the 
Saint Francis Cougars to claim their second national title in three 
years.
  The Wildcats played in the spotlight of the NAIA throughout this 
astounding season, with an impressive final record of 33-5. In his 
eleventh season with the Wildcats, Head Coach Greg Tonagel was 
instrumental in leading the team to victory. Coach Tonagel joined the 
Wildcats as head coach in 2005 and has demonstrated exceptional 
leadership, mentorship, and commitment throughout his years as head 
basketball coach. His notable guidance both on and off the court was 
publicly recognized when he was honored as the 2009 Best NAIA Head 
Coach, as well as the NABC/NAIA Division II Coach of the Year in both 
2014 and 2016, both years he led the team to national titles. As the 
daughter of a high school football coach, I understand the tireless 
dedication, time commitment, and personal sacrifices required to lead 
young athletes to victory, and I applaud Coach Tonagel's dedication to 
excellence.
  In addition to the Wildcats' national title, individuals from the 
team were recognized for excellence. Senior Jonny Marlin was named 2016 
Championship Most Outstanding Player, recipient of the Pete Maravich 
Award, NCCAA Player of the Year, and was the first player in the 
history of Indiana Wesleyan men's basketball program to be selected 
twice for the NAIA All-American First Team. Two additional Wildcats, 
Sophomores Lane Mahurin and Bob Peters, were selected for the 2016 NAIA 
Division II Men's Basketball All-Championship Team. An impressive three 
players on the team were recognized as 2016 NAIA Scholar-Athletes. 
Jonny Marlin added this to his long list of individual accomplishments 
along with Junior Josh Mawhorr and Freshman Aaron Murray. Being a 
student athlete is no easy feat, and I am proud of these young men for 
their commitment to their sport and their academics. These significant 
distinctions exemplify the incredible quality and character of IWU's 
athletes as well as their momentous athletic talent. The coaches and 
players of the IWU men's basketball team display a strong commitment to 
their faith and demonstrate the highest virtues of the community: 
teamwork, integrity, sportsmanship, and dedication.
  On behalf of Indiana's 5th Congressional District, I'd like to extend 
huge congratulations to the Indiana Wesleyan Men's Basketball Team. I 
am proud to represent such a distinguished group and I look forward to 
cheering the team on through another spectacular season next year.

                          ____________________