[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5968]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR 
                           THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 69, submitted earlier today by 
Senators Bayh and Lugar.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 69) congratulating the Fighting Irish 
     of the University of Notre Dame for winning the 2001 women's 
     basketball championship.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleague from 
Indiana as a cosponsor of this resolution congratulating the women's 
basketball team of the University of Notre Dame for winning the 2001 
women's basketball championship.
  This remarkable achievement by the Fighting Irish women's basketball 
team culminates a season in which Coach Muffet McGraw and her team 
achieved an outstanding 34-2 record. Player Ruth Riley, an Indiana 
native, earned the titles Big East Player of the Year and Outstanding 
Player of the Final Four. Her teammate, Niele Ivey, suffered a sprained 
ankle during the semifinal game but persevered to help the Fighting 
Irish win their 68-66 final game victory over the determined Purdue 
University Lady Boilermakers.
  The women basketball players of Notre Dame offer an example of 
dedication, skill, and sportsmanship as they bring Notre Dame its first 
national basketball title.
  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I rise today 
with my colleague Senator Richard Lugar to introduce a bipartisan 
resolution honoring the University of Notre Dame women's basketball 
team for winning the school's first ever National Collegiate Athletic 
Association, NCAA, Division I basketball championship.
  On April 1, 2001, this remarkable group of young women--led by senior 
All-American and native Hoosier Ruth Riley, have taken their place in 
Notre Dame's long and storied tradition of academic and athletic 
excellence with a victory over the Purdue University Boilermakers.
  This match-up made NCAA history, as it was the first time two teams 
from the same state appeared in the NCAA women's basketball 
championship game. I cannot think of a more fitting place from which 
these two special teams could hail than from Indiana, basketball's 
heartland. It is a wonderful tribute to these two teams and their fine 
universities, and an honor for the state of Indiana to gain that 
distinction.
  As Hoosiers across our state and basketball fans around the nation 
watched with excitement and anticipation, both teams put forth a 
tremendous effort that made for a spectacular game. These true 
competitors displayed immense talent and ability as they engaged each 
other relentlessly throughout the forty minute championship game. The 
determination and commitment of both the Fighting Irish and the 
Boilermakers exemplifies our Hoosier values and serves as a tremendous 
source of pride for the state of Indiana.
  Behind every great team is a great coach, and Notre Dame's Muffet 
McGraw is no exception. Coach McGraw provided the Fighting Irish with 
the stewardship needed for an outstanding record of thirty-four wins 
and only two losses during the 2000-2001 season, en route to the 
national championship. The Notre Dame community should be very proud of 
both Coach McGraw's leadership and her team's outstanding 
accomplishments as student athletes.
  In dramatic fashion, the Fighting Irish turned around a twelve point 
deficit and tied the game with one minute remaining. With 5.8 seconds 
remaining, Ms. Riley made two free throws to complete the comeback and 
secure a 68-66 victory for the Fighting Irish. Ms. Riley, who earned 
the tournament's Most Outstanding Player honors, was also named 
national Player of the Year and was a unanimous selection as first team 
All-American. Through hard work and determination, Ruth Riley and her 
teammates advanced the sport of women's basketball and provided 
inspiration for future generations of young female athletes.
  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the 
table, that any statements relating thereto be placed in the Record at 
the appropriate place as if read, with no intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 69) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  (The text of the resolution is printed in Today's Record under 
``Statements on Submitted Resolutions.'')

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