[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1975-S1976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIRING ROBERT MONTGOMERY ``BOBBY''
KNIGHT AS THE HEAD COACH OF THE MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AT INDIANA
UNIVERSITY
Mr. BRAUN. Madam President, I rise to honor the 50th anniversary of
the signing of Coach Robert Montgomery Knight at Indiana University,
who set the standard for excellence as a collegiate men's basketball
coach.
Coach Knight had a legendary career as a college head coach for more
than 40 years, 29 of which were at Indiana University. During those 29
years, Coach Knight had 11 Big Ten Conference championship teams, took
24 teams to the NCAA tournament, and earned 8 Big Ten Coach of the Year
Awards. His 1975-1976 team at IU remains the last team to complete an
undefeated season and win every game in the NCAA tournament. They got
close this year.
Maureen, my wife, attended IU, and I can remember what a thrill it
was to watch his teams play. Their drive and will to succeed were
infectious. Coach Knight's success at IU continues to be a source of
pride for the entire State of Indiana. Coach Knight never focused his
coaching on winning a game but on the effort it takes to become a
champion, saying that the will to succeed is important, but the will to
prepare is even more important.
Due to his focus on his players' success on and off the court--this
is amazing--Coach Knight had an astounding 98-percent graduation rate
for all players whom he coached for at least 4 years--more than twice
the average graduation rate for Division 1 schools. On the world stage,
Coach Knight led the U.S. men's national basketball team to a Gold
Medal in the 1979 Pan Am Games and to a Gold Medal in the 1984 Olympic
Games.
Victory is fleeting, but Coach Knight both propelled young men toward
greatness on the court and gave them experiences and lessons that have
shaped their entire lives.
We honor the drive, determination, and character of Coach Knight and
all
[[Page S1976]]
that he did in educating and mentoring hundreds of Indiana University
players over three decades to bring pride to the State of Indiana.
For all the memories, Coach Knight, we give you a heartfelt thank
you.
Madam President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous
consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 157,
submitted earlier today.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 157) honoring the 50th anniversary of
hiring Robert Montgomery ``Bobby'' Knight as the Head Coach
of the men's basketball team at Indiana University.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. BRAUN. I know of no further debate on the measure.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there is no further debate, the question is
on agreeing to the resolution.
The resolution (S. Res. 157) was agreed to.
Mr. BRAUN. I ask unanimous consent that the preamble be agreed to and
that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the
table with no intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
Without objection, it is so ordered.
The preamble was agreed to.
(The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record
under ``Submitted Resolutions.'')
Mr. BRAUN. I yield the floor.
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