[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5638]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

  Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the University 
of North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team on their national 
championship. This is the fourth NCAA Division I title for this storied 
program and a well deserved finish to an amazing season.
  Now, I know some of you are wondering . . . Yes, I am a Duke graduate 
and a Duke fan, and as you know, Duke and North Carolina have one of 
the most legendary rivalries in the nation. That being said, I truly 
have been behind this team--I even wore Carolina blue to several events 
in North Carolina last week to show my support!
  On Monday night, the Tar Heels defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 
75-70 in a remarkable display of teamwork and talent. Led by the 
performance of Raymond Felton and Sean May, the Tar Heels played strong 
basketball on both ends of the court. They were able to make critical 
baskets when the game was on the line and played tenacious defense that 
stifled their opponent. With this victory, this year's Tar Heel team 
has solidified its place in college basketball history alongside 
Carolina greats such as Michael Jordan and James Worthy.
  Roy Williams, who returned to his home state and alma mater just two 
years ago, earned his first title and demonstrated once again why he is 
one of the best coaches in college basketball. Under his leadership, 
this group of talented young men developed into truly great players 
with heart and determination.
  The Tar Heels' Sean May was named most outstanding player in the 
Final Four for his dominant scoring and rebounding. Sean finished an 
incredible season with 26 points and 10 rebounds against Illinois.
  This year started with great expectations as the Tar Heels were 
picked as the pre-season #1 team by Sports Illustrated. However, in 
recent years, such impressive rankings were not always the case. 
Seniors on this Tar Heel team faced great adversity early in their 
careers as they fought to overcome a disappointing 8-20 season their 
freshman year. Still, these players were determined to work hard to 
become a better team. And did they ever. Just 4 years later, these 
young men completed an incredible turnaround and are now able to call 
themselves national champions.
  Today is a proud day for Coach Williams, his terrific players and the 
state of North Carolina. College basketball is a special tradition for 
so many North Carolinians. It is a pastime shared from generation to 
generation and amongst neighbors and friends. It's what so many folks 
chat about at the grocery store, before class, over dinner, and after 
church. We are so proud of the North Carolina Tar Heels' 
accomplishments this season and delighted that they gave us yet another 
memory to talk about for years to come.
  I yield the floor.

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