[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 572]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE CRUSADERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 10, 2017

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
Crusaders of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor who capped a perfect 
season by defeating the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans 10-7 in 
the Stagg Bowl to claim their first ever DIII Football National 
Championship. It was a game low on points but high on drama.
  While the Stagg Bowl was contested over the span of four quarters, 
for UMHB it was a championship 19 years in the making. A program built 
from scratch by Coach Pete Fredenburg nearly two decades ago can now 
call itself the best in the land.
  Anyone who follows sports knows the truth of these three words: 
defense wins championships. While high scores thrill the casual fan, 
the art of shutting down an opponent's ability to rack up points is 
what ultimately allows a team to hoist a championship trophy. The 
Crusaders' suffocating defense held the Titans to just 215 yards 
overall and allowed UMHB to control the game. Their relentless 
playmaking and defensive intensity, honed through seasons of tough 
practice and a strict commitment to football fundamentals, brought home 
the title for the Crusaders.
  While football is a team sport, there was great play from the 
Crusaders' star players. Quarterback Blake Jackson, the game's MVP, 
ended the game with 171 passing yards and 119 rushing yards. Senior 
linebacker Matt Cody came through in the clutch with a game-sealing 
interception.
  It's no secret that Texans live for football and the University of 
Mary Hardin-Baylor's commitment to teamwork and tough physical play 
represent the very best of our beloved sport. I congratulate the 
Crusaders on their victory in the Stagg Bowl and wish them continued 
success in seasons to come.

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