[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4798]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE COLORADO UNIVERSITY SKI TEAM

 Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize the 
University of Colorado--CU--ski team for claiming their 17th national 
ski championship title at the 53rd Annual NCAA Championship. I am also 
extremely proud that the CU ski team has been invited to participate in 
the National Student-Athlete Day activities at the White House on April 
6. This is an incredible honor for these young athletes, their coaches, 
their parents, and the University of Colorado.
  The CU ski team overcame insurmountable odds to claim their 17th 
national ski championship. This year's ski team was the first team in 
U.S. history to win the national title without a full 12-skier team. 
This year's team broke and set the largest comeback record in NCAA ski 
team history--winning the title after being ranked sixth following the 
first full day of competition. Battling injury, illness, and an 
underdog status, the CU ski team went on to claim a national victory 
with a 98-point lead--the fourth largest margin of victory in NCAA ski 
team history. CU team skiers also claimed four individual titles and 
eight All-American honors. These team members deserve national 
recognition for their focus, determination, and spirit.
  It is this team's spirit, leadership, and record of achievement that 
will be honored by President Bush on National Student-Athlete Day, this 
April 6th. The CU ski team is being honored for their excellence in 
academics and athletics as well as for their contributions to their 
community. National Student-Athlete Day also represents an opportunity 
to recognize the parents, teachers, and coaches who have helped mold 
and challenge these outstanding student-athletes. This honor is 
representative of the University of Colorado under the outstanding 
leadership and commitment of University president Hank Brown, CU 
athletic director Mike Bohn, and Colorado ski team head coach Richard 
Rokos. Due to the talent, dedication, and leadership of the CU 
athletes, coaches, and university leadership, the University of 
Colorado is back on top of the collegiate skiing world.
  Congratulations to the University of Colorado, the ski team, the 
coaches, and the community that has supported this team throughout this 
winning, landmark season.
  On behalf of the State of Colorado, I am proud to honor and 
commemorate the University of Colorado's ski team and request that my 
colleagues join me in paying tribute to the University of Colorado and 
these outstanding young men and women.

                          ____________________