[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 1] [House] [Pages 1451-1453] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CONGRATULATING THE GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY LAKERS FOR WINNING THE 2006 NCAA DIVISION II FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 62) congratulating the Grand Valley State University Lakers for winning the 2006 NCAA Division II Football National Championship. The Clerk read as follows: H. Res. 62 Whereas on December 16, 2006, the Grand Valley State University Lakers of Allendale, Michigan, won the 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Football National Championship by defeating the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats by a score of 17 to 14, defeating the Bearcats for the second consecutive year in the championship game; Whereas in the championship game, quarterback Cullen Finnerty completed 15 of 33 passes for 225 yards and rushed for 115 yards on 22 carries for 340 yards of total offense, becoming the first quarterback in the history of the NCAA Division II Football National Championship to pass for more than 200 yards and rush for more than 100 yards, and Bill Brechin made 4 pivotal plays, including 2 first-quarter interceptions that kept the Lakers in the game; Whereas the Lakers completed the season with a perfect 15-0 winning record, becoming just the second team in NCAA Division II football history to finish the season 15-0; Whereas the Lakers have won 28 consecutive games, the longest football winning streak in any NCAA division; Whereas the Lakers also won the NCAA Division II Football National Championship in 2002, 2003, and 2005; Whereas the American Football Coaches Association named Coach Chuck Martin the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year; Whereas Martin has compiled a 3-year head coaching record of 38-3, including a 10-1 postseason record; Whereas the Lakers' seniors finish their 4 seasons with a 52-4 record, which makes them the all-time most winning senior class in all of NCAA history; Whereas 5 Lakers earned Associated Press Little All- American honors, with seniors Finnerty, Eric Fowler, and Mike McFadden earning first-team honors and juniors Brandon Barnes and Brandon Carr earning third-team honors; Whereas the Lakers dominated the 2006 Daktronics, Inc. Division II All-American Football team by placing 6 players (Fowler, Barnes, McFadden, Finnerty, Carr, and Anthony Adams) on the first team; Whereas in the 2006 season, Finnerty was selected to 3 All- American teams (the American Football Coaches Association, Daktronics, and the Associated Press) and finished second in the Harlon Hill race, an award given to the top player in Division II football; Whereas Finnerty closes a college football career with a 51-4 record as a starter, including a record of 14-1 in postseason play, to become the most winning quarterback in NCAA history; Whereas Finnerty was named the 2006 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Football Player of the Year, Barnes was named Offensive Lineman of the Year, and McFadden was named the Defensive Lineman of the Year for the second consecutive year; Whereas McFadden also won the Gene Upshaw Award for the second consecutive year; and Whereas Grand Valley State University's student athletes have displayed great strength, ability, and perseverance this season and have again made the citizens of the State of Michigan proud: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) congratulates the Grand Valley State University Lakers for winning the 2006 NCAA Division II Football National Championship; and (2) recognizes all the players, coaches, and support staff who were instrumental in this achievement. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia. General Leave Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 62. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Virginia? There was no objection. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) for introducing this resolution that salutes Grand Valley State for their recent victory over the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats in the NCAA Division II national football championship in December. Grand Valley State was led by quarterback Cullen Finnerty, who completed 15 of 33 passes for 225 yards and rushed for 115 yards on 22 carries for 340 yards of total offense, becoming the first quarterback in the history of the NCAA Division II national football championship to pass for more than 200 yards and rush for more than 100 yards. The game also saw tremendous plays by Bill Brechin, who made two first quarter interceptions. [[Page 1452]] I would also point out that Northwest Missouri State University also played an excellent game, and I congratulate them for their effort. The Lakers are no strangers to this championship, having won in 2002, 2003 and 2005. It is also the second year that the Lakers have defeated the Bearcats in a championship game. Much is due to the coaching of Chuck Martin, who was named Division II Coach of the Year for the second year. Clearly, the Lakers deserve to be recognized by the House for their outstanding accomplishments on the football field, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank my colleague from Virginia for bringing forward this resolution today. I think it is a wonderful opportunity to educate the colleague from Virginia on the talents that we have in the State of Michigan, especially in western Michigan. I am excited to see how well versed he has become about the Grand Valley State University football team. As he indicated, we rise today to congratulate the student athletes on the Grand Valley State University Lakers 2006 football team. On December 16, 2006, the Lakers football team won the NCAA Division II football national championship by defeating the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats 17-14. The Grand Valley State University football program has now won championships in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006. The victory capped another storybook season for Coach Chuck Martin. He has coached his team to a 23-3 record, including a 10-1 post-season record after assuming coaching responsibility after a successful stint as the Lakers' defensive coordinator. The Grand Valley State University seniors finished their 4-year run with the Lakers with a 52-4 record, making them the all-time winningest senior class in all of NCAA history. {time} 1045 Grand Valley student athletes have displayed great strength, ability and resolve during the 2006 season. They have made the great State of Michigan proud once again. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support the passage of H. Res. 62. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the full roster of this national championship team and their coaching staff. 2006 ROSTER [Alphabetical] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. Name Ht/Wt Pos Yr Exp Hometown (last school). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4............................. Anthony Adams.... 6-2/234 LB.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Troy, MI (Troy). 58............................ Sam Allen........ 6-5/285 OL.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Lansing, MI (Sexton). 35............................ Matt Bakker...... 6-1/190 RB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Middleville, MI (South Christian). 43............................ Lyle Banks....... 5-11/170 DB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech). 61............................ Brandon Barnes... 6-2/315 OL.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Detroit, MI (Pershing). 82............................ Ryan Bass........ 6-2/181 WR.............. FR.............. RS.............. Portage, MI (Northern). 9............................. Matt Beaty....... 6-0/232 LB.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech). 99............................ Nate Beebe....... 6-2/235 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Allendale, MI. 21............................ P.J. Beuke....... 6-0/215 LB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Hinsdale, IL. 36............................ Chad Biggar...... 6-2/220 LB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Traverse City, MI (St. Francis). 6............................. Scott Blasko..... 6-4/265 TE.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Lansing, MI (St. Joseph). 88............................ Cameron Bradfield 6-4/256 TE.............. FR.............. RS.............. Grand Rapids, MI (Creston). 29............................ Bill Brechin..... 5-10/180 DB.............. JR.............. 1L.............. Addison, IL. 64............................ Drew Burton...... 6-1/310 OL.............. SR.............. 2L.............. Moscow, ID (Moscow). 76............................ Troy Buter....... 6-8/270 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Zeeland, MI (West). 5............................. Samad Cain....... 6-2/200 DB.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Detroit, MI (Minnesota). 87............................ Robert Carlisle.. 6-1/184 WR.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Detroit, MI (Lutheran East). 24............................ Brandon Carr..... 6-1/206 DB.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Flint, MI (Carman-Ainsworth). 25............................ Tony Carr........ 6-0/190 DB.............. SR.............. 1L.............. Flint, MI (Western Michigan). 83............................ Tony Carreri..... 6-3/235 TE.............. FR.............. FR.............. Clinton Township, MI (L'Anse Cruse). 20............................ Kirk Carruth..... /235 LB.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Saginaw, MI (Saginaw). 90............................ Todd Carter...... 6-1/190 K............... SO.............. 1L.............. Flint, MI (Carman-Ainsworth). 3............................. Mark Catlin...... 5-10/180 WR.............. SR.............. 3L.............. Lowell, MI (Lowell). Carlos Clark..... 6-0/160 WR.............. FR.............. FR.............. Belleville, MI. 37............................ Aaron Conti...... 5-8/175 DB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Bloomfield Hills, MI (Detroit Jesuit). 52............................ Greg Copeland.... 6-3/250 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Inkster, MI. 95............................ Mendalson 6-4/225 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Carsbad, CA. Covington. 84............................ Anthony Crump.... 6-4/228 WR.............. FR.............. RS.............. Muskegon, MI. 59............................ Joe Davis........ 6-1/250 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Jenison, MI. 32............................ Corey Edwards.... 6-0/183 WR.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Grand Rapids, MI (Ottawa Hills). 93............................ Jeremy Ehinger... 6-3/285 DL.............. JR.............. TR.............. Torranc, CA (L.A. Harbor College). 51............................ Billy Eisenhardt. 6-3/270 OC.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Macomb, MI (Dakota). 56............................ Ian Evans........ 6-3/235 TE.............. FR.............. FR.............. Clearwater, FL (Countryside). Eric Ewing....... 6-1/200 LB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Jackson, MI (Lumen Christi). 31............................ Gary Fant........ 5-11/190 DB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Lansing, MI (Eastern). 94............................ Chris Favors..... 6-2/270 DL.............. JR.............. TR.............. Laplace, LA (Citrus J.C.). 16............................ Cullen Finnerty.. 6-2/210 QB.............. SR.............. 3L.............. Brighton, MI (Brighton). 34............................ Matt Flutur...... 5-11/215 RB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Ludington, MI (Mason County Central). 79............................ Dan Foster....... 6-5/250 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Grand Haven, MI. 80............................ Eric Fowler...... 6-3/198 WR.............. SR.............. 3L.............. New Haven, MI (New Haven). 7............................. Preston Garris... 5-9/190 WR.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Muskegon, MI (Mona Shores). 92............................ Ryan Gaydosh..... 6-3/259 DL.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Medina, OH (Medina). 66............................ Alex Gilde....... 6-0/265 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. McBain, MI. 17............................ Brennen Glass.... 6-4/220 QB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Springfield, OH. 70............................ John Godush...... 6-3/315 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Stevensville, MI (Lakeshore). 23............................ Maurice Gore..... 5-9/190 RB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Lansing, MI (Sexton). 97............................ Mike Graham...... 6-2/244 TE.............. JR.............. TR.............. Owosso, MI (Grand Rapids C.C.). D.D. Hardy....... 6-0/170 WR.............. FR.............. FR.............. New Haven, MI. 75............................ James Hardy...... 6-5/250 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Buffalo Grove, IL (Stevenson). 57............................ Brett Harris..... 6-5/240 DE.............. FR.............. RS.............. New Haven, MI. 55............................ Jacob Henige..... 6-2/295 OL.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Chesaning, MI (Chesaning). 71............................ Brett Hines...... 6-4/290 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Cincinnati, OH (Moeller). 54............................ Drew Hinkle...... 6-3/240 DL.............. FR.............. RS.............. Dearborn, MI (Divine Child). 65............................ Tyler Holtz...... 6-3/294 OL.............. FR.............. RS.............. Holt, MI. Nick Hopkins..... 5-11/170 K/P............. FR.............. FR.............. Byron Center, MI. 67............................ Brad Hull........ 6-4/240 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Centreville, OH. 13............................ Brad Iciek....... 6-1/180 QB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Grandville, MI. 42............................ Jay Jandasek..... 5-11/190 K............... FR.............. FR.............. Brighton, MI. 69............................ Nate John........ 6-4/300 OL.............. JR.............. TR.............. Bolingbrook, IL (College of DuPage). Blake Johncock... 6-1/205 LB.............. JR.............. SQ.............. Battle Creek, MI (Central). 47............................ Derrick Jones.... 6-5/278 DL.............. SR.............. 1L.............. Barstow, CA (Victory Valley College). 53............................ Sam Jones........ 6-0/250 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Kentwood, MI (East Kentwood). 28............................ Zach Jones....... 6-1/195 DB.............. SR.............. 2L.............. Glendale, CA. Lamar Keith...... 6-3/230 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Inkster, MI. 86............................ Mike Koster...... 6-3/206 WR.............. FR.............. RS.............. Lowell, MI. 8............................. Buster Larkins... 5-11/190 DB.............. SR.............. TR.............. Indianapolis, IN (University of Indiana). Mike Leiffers.... 6-1/245 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Allendale, MI. 2............................. Astin Martin..... 5-9/187 RB.............. SR.............. 1L.............. Grand Rapids, MI (Toledo). 81............................ John Mathews..... 6-2/235 TE.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Essexville, MI (Garber). 77............................ Nick McDonald.... 6-4/275 OL.............. FR.............. RS.............. Sterling Heights, MI (Henry Ford II). 11............................ Mike McFadden.... 6-1/255 DL.............. SR.............. 3L.............. Saginaw, MI (Heritage). [[Page 1453]] 10............................ Jacob McGuckin... 6-2/215 SS.............. FR.............. RS.............. Allen Park, MI. 44............................ Byron Miles...... 6-0/225 LB.............. JR.............. TR.............. Chicago, IL (Joliet J.C.). 40............................ David Misiewicz.. 6-0/185 DB.............. JR.............. SQ.............. Sarasota, FL (Cardinal Mooney). 1............................. Terry Mitchell... 6-2/210 WR.............. SR.............. 1L.............. Port Huron, MI (Harper J.C.). 19............................ Jaquon Morrison.. 5-11/185 WR.............. JR.............. TR.............. Carson, CA (L.A. Harbor College). 49............................ Mike Mukuna...... 6-2/210 LB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Haslett, MI. 39............................ Frank Mulder..... 6-0/180 DB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Lowell, MI. 38............................ Jordan Munson.... 6-4/225 LB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Petoskey, MI (Petoskey). 60............................ Doug Neumeyer.... 6-3/255 OL.............. FR.............. RS.............. Sanduskey, MI. 22............................ Courtney Partee.. 5-9/170 CB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Ada, MI (East Grand Rapids). Denny Pittman.... 6-1/190 DB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Walker, MI (West Catholic). 46............................ Justin Pollock... 6-2/240 DL.............. FR.............. SQ.............. Kentwood, MI (East Kentwood). 45............................ Danny Richard.... 6-3/220 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. West Bloomfield, MI. Chad Richardson.. 6-1/189 WR.............. SO.............. TR.............. Charlotte, MI. 26............................ Sean Roland...... 5-11/195 DB.............. SR.............. 3L.............. Detroit, MI (University of Detroit Jesuit). Matt Russell..... 5-10/188 RB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Naperville, IL (Aurora Christian). 12............................ Brandon Ryan..... 5-8/192 DB.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Grand Blanc, MI 18............................ Mike Scherpenberg 6-4/180 QB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Cincinnati, OH (Indian Hill). 41............................ Felix Sharpe..... 5-10/172 WR.............. FR.............. RS.............. Kalamazoo, MI (Central). 33............................ Dan Skuta........ 6-3/240 DE.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Flint, MI (Carman-Ainsworth). 27............................ Blake Smolen..... 6-0/198 WR.............. FR.............. RS.............. Grosse Ile, MI. 15............................ Chad Somerville.. 6-2/204 QB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Mason, MI. 14............................ Derek Stansbery.. 6-0/201 DB.............. JR.............. TR.............. Battle Creek, MI. (Harper Creek). 72............................ Brett Stengele... 6-5/265 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Cresthill, IL (Joliet Catholic). 68............................ Sean Stevens..... 6-4/260 OL.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Grand Ledge, MI (Grand Ledge). Alex Szarenski... 6-2/257 DL.............. FR.............. RS.............. Southfield, MI (Brother Rice). 73............................ Joey Teague...... 6-2/270 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Fairfield, OH. Bryan Thomas..... 6-0/265 DL.............. FR.............. RS.............. South Lyon, MI. Tony Thompson.... 5-10/170 DB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Traverse City, MI. (West). 63............................ Jacob Topp....... 6-3/272 OL.............. SO.............. 1L.............. Strongsville, OH (Eastern Michigan). 96............................ Lance Travis..... 6-2/237 DE.............. FR.............. RS.............. Sebewaning, MI. (Unionville- Sebewaning). 85............................ Antione Trent.... 6-2/198 WR.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Grand Rapids, MI. (Ottawa Hills). 48............................ Justin Trumble... 6-2/190 P/K............. FR.............. RS.............. Grosse Point, MI. (Dakota). 91............................ Justin Ulberg.... 6-3/250 DL.............. JR.............. 2L.............. Allendale, MI. Justin Victor.... 6-1/200 LB.............. FR.............. FR.............. Allen Park, MI. 89............................ Matt Wade........ 5-10/160 WR.............. FR.............. RS.............. Grand Haven, MI. John Wasmund..... 6-1/210 K............... FR.............. FR.............. Westerville, OH (North). 74............................ Collin Williams.. 6-4/250 OL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Howell, MI. 98............................ Justin Winsor.... 6-4/245 DL.............. FR.............. FR.............. Middleton, MI (Fulton-Middleton). 78............................ Joe Wohlscheid... 6-7/305 OL.............. JR.............. 1L.............. Grand Ledge, MI. 50............................ James 6-0/214 LB.............. FR.............. RS.............. Southfield, MI. (Brother Rice). Wojciechowski. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- coaches Chuck Martin--head coach. Steve Brockelbank--assistant head coach/OL/rec. coordinator. Matt Pawlowski--defensive coordinator/defensive backs. Todd Kolster--offensive coordinator/quarterbacks. Matt Mitchell--linebackers/strength & conditioning. William Pascol--running backs. Jim Schaak--kickers/tight/ends. Matt Yoches--defensive line. Dan Fodrocy--graduate assistant. Adam McClain--graduate assistant David Sartin--graduate assistant. Dan Price--video coordinator. Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 62, a resolution congratulating the Grand Valley State University Lakers for winning the 2006 NCAA Division II Football National Championship. Head Coach Chuck Martin and his team have helped to bring national reknown to GVSU's campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan with their excellence on the field. Over the past five years, the Lakers have won four National Championships in their division, a feat that has been duplicated at no other level of college football in the same time span. The senior class of this team compiled a four-year record of 52-4, making them the winningest senior class of football players in NCAA history. Led by quarterback Cullin Finnerty, Eric Fowler and Mike McFadden--each of them named first-team Little All-America players by the Associated Press--the Lakers dominated their competition to an undefeated 15-0 season, culminating in a 17-14 championship victory over the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats on December 16, 2006, in Florence, Alabama. The game was witnessed by 7,000 fans in the stadium and by a worldwide audience including our soldiers in Iraq and elsewhere, who watched the game on the Armed Forces TV Network. One GVSU official, my former press secretary, Chris Barbee, reported hearing from two soldiers in Iraq congratulating the team on its victory. The Laker football team is emblematic of Grand Valley State University as a whole--a thriving, bustling university in West Michigan with more than 23,000 students and nearly 2,000 faculty and staff. The university, led by its new president Thomas J. Haas, is striving for excellence at all levels academic and athletic alike. Congratulations again to Grand Valley State University, Coach Martin and his staff, and all the players, support staff and fans who made this championship a reality. Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, today we will be considering H. Res. 62, a resolution congratulating the Grand Valley State University Lakers for winning the 2006 NCAA Division II Football National Championship. And although I will be supporting this resolution out of respect for my friend and colleague, Congressman Peter Hoekstra, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats. This is the second consecutive year Northwest Missouri State University has made a run for the championship. Unfortunately, the football Gods were not kind to them at the championship game this year. However, the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats are an exceptional football team with great team spirit. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats football team for an outstanding 2006 season, and I look forward to cheering them on to the NCAA Division II Football Championship again next year. Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 62. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of those voting have responded in the affirmative. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. ____________________