[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 24 (Friday, February 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 558--CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI TIGERS 
                FOR WINNING THE 2023 COTTON BOWL CLASSIC

  Mr. SCHMITT (for himself and Mr. Hawley) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 558

       Whereas, on December 29, 2023, the University of Missouri 
     Tigers football team (referred to in this preamble as the 
     ``Tigers'') defeated the nationally ranked Ohio State 
     University Buckeyes, 14 to 3, to win the 2023 Cotton Bowl 
     Classic (referred to in this preamble as the ``Cotton 
     Bowl'');
       Whereas the victory in the Cotton Bowl is a testament to 
     the skill, dedication, and hard work of the Tigers;
       Whereas the Tigers demonstrated teamwork and sportsmanship 
     during the Cotton Bowl and throughout the 2023 season;
       Whereas, during the 2023 season, the Tigers achieved a 
     record of 11 wins and 2 losses;
       Whereas the Tigers attained a final ranking of 8th in the 
     2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association (referred to in 
     this preamble as ``NCAA'') Division I Football Bowl 
     Subdivision (referred to in this preamble as ``FBS'') 
     football season;
       Whereas the coaching staff, led by the head coach of the 
     Tigers, Eliah Drinkwitz, provided leadership and strategy, 
     contributing to the victories throughout the season and Eliah 
     Drinkwitz being awarded the 2023 Southeastern Conference 
     (referred to in this preamble as ``SEC'') Football Coach of 
     the Year;
       Whereas Brady Cook, named the Offensive Most Valuable 
     Player for the Cotton Bowl, and Johnny Walker Jr., named the 
     Defensive Most Valuable Player for the Cotton Bowl, were 
     acknowledged for their outstanding performances during the 
     Cotton Bowl;
       Whereas several players on the Tigers received recognition 
     during the 2023 season, including--
       (1) Cody Schrader, who earned the 2023 Burlsworth Trophy, 
     which is awarded annually to the most outstanding college 
     football player at the FBS level who began their college 
     career as a walk-on;
       (2) 7 players earning 1st or 2nd Team All-SEC honors;
       (3) 2 players earning Walter Camp All-America honors; and
       (4) 4 players earning Associated Press All-America honors; 
     and
       Whereas fans of the Tigers demonstrated passion and 
     dedication in supporting their team throughout the 2023 NCAA 
     Division I FBS football season: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends the University of Missouri Tigers football 
     team (referred to in this resolution as the ``Tigers'') on 
     winning the 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic;
       (2) recognizes the achievements, contributions, and 
     dedication of the players, coaches, management, and support 
     staff of the Tigers;
       (3) congratulates the alumni, students, and faculty of the 
     University of Missouri; and
       (4) respectfully directs the Secretary of the Senate to 
     transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
       (A) the chancellor of the University of Missouri, Mun Choi;
       (B) the director of athletics of the University of 
     Missouri, Desiree Reed-Francois; and
       (C) the head coach of the Tigers, Eliah Drinkwitz.

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