[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4256]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today, as a proud Oregonian, I 
congratulate the Portland State University men's basketball team on a 
stellar performance last night. The PSU Vikings capped a five-game 
winning streak by soundly defeating the Northern Arizona University 
Lumberjacks 67 to 51 to win the Big Sky Conference Tournament and 
advance to the NCAA Tournament.
  This achievement marks the Vikings' first trip to the ``Big Dance,'' 
and an important moment to recognize their collective talents. I think 
I speak for all Oregonians when I say that we are greatly impressed by 
the hard work these young men and their coaches have put into achieve 
this victory.
  I congratulate this team not only for their athletic achievement, but 
also for putting Oregon's largest university on the map of collegiate 
sports. I know the PSU Vikings, who have lost only twice in 2008, will 
be an excellent representative of our home State in the national 
tournament.
  Certainly this victory is just the beginning for the members of this 
team. I look forward to hearing of their successes not only in 
athletics but in any endeavor they choose to take on in the future.
  Mr. President, allow me to specifically mention the names of all the 
coaches and players who have made my State so very proud: Julius 
Thomas, Deonte Huff, Andre Murray, Mickey Polis, Jeremiah Dominguez, 
Dominic Waters, Brian Curtis, Tyrell Mara, Kyle Coston, Dupree Lucas, 
Phil Nelson, Justynn Hammond, J.R. Moore, Alex Tiefanthaler, Scott 
Morrison, Ken Bone, Tyler Geving, Eric Harper, Curtis Allen, and Tyler 
Coston. I heartily congratulate each and every one of you. I look 
forward to cheering you on in the NCAA Tournament this month.

                          ____________________