[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[House]
[Pages 4548-4549]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          CONGRATULATING NCAA CHAMPION MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Gary Miller of California). Under a 
previous order of the House, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) 
is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Spartans of 
Michigan State University, which my son Paul attended, on winning the 
National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball championship. The 
Spartans defeated the Florida Gators 89-76 in the championship game to 
capture the NCAA championship. It was certainly an exciting game that 
showcased some of the best talent the NCAA has to offer.
  The Spartans are a great example of what hard work, determination, 
and a passionate desire to win can accomplish. The Spartans were led by 
seniors Morris Peterson and Mateen Cleaves and junior Charlie Bell, the 
Flintstones as they are commonly known in Michigan. All three grew up 
in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. They have brought a sense of spirit 
and optimism to our community and our State. I could not be prouder of 
these young men. They played basketball together and against each other 
at Berston Field House, a recreational center in the heart of downtown 
Flint. Over the years, Berston Field House has provided young men and 
women with not only a great place to play sports but also a safe 
alternative to the streets.
  Peterson, Cleaves, and Bell have all been guided by strong family 
values and principles. All are graduates of the Flint public schools, 
where academics are stressed before athletics. They all possess a deep 
sense of spirituality that is clearly rooted in faith and family. And 
they never miss a chance to praise and celebrate those roots. Their 
accomplishments shine bright in the eyes of the people of Flint.
  Morris Peterson was named Big 10 player of the year and joined Mateen 
Cleaves as one of the 10 players selected to the John Wooden All-
American team. Charlie Bell earned a spot on the third team All-Big-10 
Conference. All three, along with A.J. Granger, made the All-NCAA 
tournament team.

[[Page 4549]]

  The Spartans finished their storybook season with a record of 32-7, 
becoming Big 10 regular season cochampions, Big 10 tournament 
champions, and NCAA champions. Today, Mr. Speaker, I salute Michigan 
State's accomplishments and share the joy of their victory with MSU 
students and alumni and especially the people of Flint.

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