[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5902]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  NDSU WRESTLING TEAM FLOOR STATEMENT

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, last month the North Dakota State 
University wrestling team once again showed the strength, grit and 
determination of North Dakotans by winning the NCAA Division II 
wrestling championship. Not only was this the second consecutive 
championship for the Bison, it was the fourth national title in school 
history.
  As a native North Dakotan, I am exceptionally proud of this 
accomplishment. Defending their NCAA Division II Championship, the 
Bison finished 7\1/2\ points ahead of second place South Dakota State 
University in the NCAA Division II finals on March 10. This year's 
dramatic victory came down to the wire needing a victory by Bison 
heavyweight Nick Severson to secure the victory over second place rival 
South Dakota State. Severson rose to the occasion by pinning an 
opponent he has never previously beaten. The stage for the upset 
heavyweight finale was set when each of the other Bison finalists, Todd 
Fuller and Steve Saxlund, did their part by becoming national champs at 
174 and 184 pounds. For Saxlund, this was an impressive third straight 
national championship.
  I congratulate the Bison wrestling program. Exceptional coaching, 
determined wrestlers, and remarkable teamwork led the Bison to their 
fourth national championship. They qualified all 10 members of their 
wrestling squad for the NCAA tournament. With all but one returning for 
next season, I expect to have the opportunity to make a similar 
announcement next year regarding the Bison's success in the world's 
oldest sport. Again, on behalf of all North Dakotans, I extend 
congratulations to the Bison on yet another successful season and wish 
the best of luck to the entire team.

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