[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6452]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO CORNERSTONE COLLEGE MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President. I rise today to honor the men's 
basketball team of Cornerstone College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and 
their coach, Kim Elders. This outstanding team recently reached the 
pinnacle of success by winning the NAIA Division II National 
Championship for basketball last month.
  The Golden Eagles of Cornerstone have received an honor that is 
reserved for only one team each year. This achievement is the product 
of hard work, determination, and dedication which was present 
throughout the Golden Eagles' season. The common focus of the team 
members was determined early in the pre-season as they declared 
themselves to be On A Mission.'' Throughout the regular season and 
continuing into the playoffs, Cornerstone subdued their opponents 
amassing an amazing record of 37 wins and only three losses, thereby 
earning the #1 rank in the national polls. At the national tournament 
in Nampa, Idaho, they proved that they deserved that rank by defeating 
all challengers. Their exciting season peaked at the championship game, 
in which Cornerstone beat the two-time defending national champion, 
Bethel, in an exciting overtime final.
  The achievements of the basketball team will be seen by many as a way 
to promote the glory of sport and the excellence of Cornerstone in 
particular. Interestingly however, these aspects are not the focus at 
Cornerstone College. Rather, Cornerstone has followed its motto of 
Academic Excellence, Christian Commitment,'' by using basketball and 
their team's success as a medium to bring the Christian message to 
others. This being the case, the men's basketball team has not only 
brought a sense of pride to Cornerstone College and the greater 
community, but their success has been a platform for bringing the hope 
of Christ to all who hear about their championship.
  Mr. President, the men's basketball team of Cornerstone College has 
shown itself to be a group of unique and talented individuals. I 
commend them for their dedication and hard work and honor them for the 
success that it has brought them. Furthermore, I commend Cornerstone 
College for its unique and important message and for their faithfulness 
in making it heard. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
men's basketball team of Cornerstone College for their success in 
becoming the 1999 NAIA national champions.

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