[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELD MEN'S 
                   BASKETBALL TEAM'S 2015-2016 SEASON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2016

  Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the California 
State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) men's basketball team and its 
unprecedented success in the 2015-2016 season. I commend the hard work 
of the Roadrunners and strong leadership of Head Coach Rod Barnes, 
Assistant Coaches Jeff Conarroe, James Alford, and Mark Hsu, and 
Director of Basketball Operations JD Pollock. The Roadrunner men's 
basketball team has represented our community well, and brought 
national attention to Bakersfield through dedication that was always 
reflected in their games. I am honored--as an alumnus myself--to be 
able to add my voice to the chorus of praise, and to congratulate their 
season of accomplishment.
   On March 18, 2016, the Roadrunners clashed against the number two 
seed in Oklahoma, on day one of the 2016 National Collegiate Athletic 
Association (NCAA) Basketball Tournament. I witnessed firsthand the 
perseverance and grit they became famous for throughout the season. The 
Roadrunners fiercely fought to match basket-for-basket against their 
heavily-favored opponents, even snatching the lead midway through the 
second half, but were ultimately outscored in the final few minutes.
   As the Roadrunners celebrate their historic 24 victories in the 
Western Athletic Conference, and their first appearance in the NCAA 
Division I Tournament, I want to acknowledge the remarkable 
determination and incredible teamwork of Aly Ahmed, Jaylin Airington, 
Bray Barnes, Dedrick Basile, Damiyne Durham, Kyle Ferreira, Darryl 
Geyen, Justin Hollins, Kevin Mays, PJ Posey, Justin Pride, Matt Smith, 
and Brent Wrapp. A remarkable winning percentage of .727 reflects upon 
the immense amount of hard work they demonstrated throughout the 
entirety of the season.
   The CSUB men's basketball team exemplifies our community's 
commitment to hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. The Roadrunners 
should be proud of their achievements this season, and I know that the 
community of Bakersfield joins me in congratulating them on their 
athletic accomplishments. My fellow Roadrunner alumni and our community 
look forward to watching their continued success in the seasons to 
follow.

                          ____________________