[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5769]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE NAIA DIVISION II MEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL 
          CHAMPIONS, THE INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY WILDCATS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the 
Indiana Wesleyan University Men's Basketball team for winning the NAIA 
Division II national championship. I am proud that the IWU Wildcats 
hail from Marion, Indiana, in my District. The Wildcats not only 
crushed the Midland University Warriors on March 18, 2014 and earned 
their first national championship, but they also ended the season as 
the No. 1 team in the NAIA poll, the third time the team has held this 
honor.
  The Wildcats had an incredible season, becoming the first team to win 
all five tournament games by double digits and finishing the season 
with an outstanding 31-6 record, this season's highest Division II 
men's basketball win total. Coach Greg Tonagel led the team to victory 
and was named the NABC/NAIA Division II Coach of the Year. However, 
Coach Tonagel's award was one of many for the Wildcats this year, as 
senior Jordan Weidner was the 2014 Championship Most Outstanding 
Player, Lane Mahurin won the Championship Hustle Award, and the IWU 
Wildcats won the Dr. James Naismith/Emil Liston Team Sportsmanship 
Award. The sportsmanship award speaks to the integrity and hard work 
exemplified by each and every IWU player throughout this phenomenal 
season. They set a wonderful example for the entire Marion community 
and most especially their young fans.
  My home state of Indiana has such a rich basketball heritage, and I 
am joined by Hoosiers across the state in celebrating Indiana's only 
2014 Men's Basketball Championship. The Wildcats' unique approach to 
the game is exemplified by the team's motto of ``I Am Third''--God 
first, your teammates second, and yourself third. This inspiring motto 
is prominently displayed in the locker room and on the team warm-up 
shirts which are emblazoned with ``Team 3''.
  Once again, congratulations Indiana Wesleyan University, we are very 
proud of you and look forward to cheering you on through another great 
season next year. Go Wildcats!

                          ____________________