[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7840]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MONROE BASKETBALL PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
undefeated national basketball champion Monroe College Lady Mustangs. 
On Saturday, March 18, the Lady Mustangs (36-0) beat Mohawk Valley 
Community College (MVCC) 100-70 to become 2006 National Junior College 
Athletic Association, Division III National Champions. Monroe's men's 
team, led by Coach Jeff Brustad, also had a successful season, 
compiling a record of 35-5 and finishing 8th in the national 
tournament.
  There is an old saying: ``Everyone has the desire to win, but only 
champions have the desire to prepare.'' Under the outstanding 
leadership of Coach Seth Goodman, the Lady Mustangs worked tirelessly 
in the off-season to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the 
season ahead. Their dedication and unrivaled work ethic helped to 
ensure that their third consecutive appearance in the tournament was a 
charm.
  The Lady Mustangs earned Monroe's first ever national championship in 
athletics with a tenacious defense and potent offense, a combination 
that worked for them all season long. Although the tournament was 
played in front of MVCC's hometown fans in Utica, New York, the Lady 
Mustangs were not intimidated--they promptly quieted the crowd with 
stifling defense, holding their opponents to only 2 points for the 
first seven minutes of the game.
  Mr. Speaker, the success that these young ladies enjoyed on the court 
is not only a reflection of their skills with a basketball, but more 
importantly, a reflection of their character. To reach the level of 
competition that they have achieved, one must acquire certain qualities 
that will not only help in sports but in life as well; qualities such 
as discipline, patience, and perseverance. While I am excited that they 
have proved to be champions on the court, I am more excited to know 
that they have developed the skills necessary for them to become 
champions in life.
  I want to compliment everyone associated with Monroe College Women's 
and Men's Basketball for the courage and class they exhibited 
throughout the entire season. Athletics is about much more than 
winning. It is about learning how to work with others to overcome 
adversity. The men's and women's basketball programs have shown that 
they have learned this valuable lesson. I am very proud of Monroe 
Basketball for the great strides it has made in the pursuit of 
excellence. May these programs continue to serve as an example of what 
heights can be reached when you combine patience, hard work, and 
dedication.
  For their strong work ethic and mental toughness on and off the 
court, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Monroe 
Lady Mustangs for winning the 2006 NJCAA, Division III National 
Championship and to congratulate the Monroe Men's team for an 
impressive run at the national title.

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