    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 19 (Monday, May 16, 1994)]
    [Page 1007]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Honoring the NCAA Champion Lake Superior State University Hockey
    Team

    May 6, 1994

        Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Just minutes before his team
    took the ice against the Russians--and some of these young people were
    too young to remember that thrilling Olympic victory in 1980--but Herb
    Brooks told his team that they were born to play the game. He said,
    ``You were meant to be here at this time. This is your moment.''
        Well, Senator Levin and Congressman Stupak, I thank you for your
    help in making this event possible. And today I say to the players, the
    coaches, and the other supporters of the Lake Superior State hockey
    team, welcome to the White House. This is your moment.
        I want to give my best regards to Bob Arbuckle, the president of
    LSSU; Jeff Jackson, the head coach of the Lakers. And I want to talk a
    little about this team. But before I do, I have to say something about
    another Michigan moment. During this last winter, the coldest we'd had
    here in 100 years, a deep freeze struck the Upper Peninsula, causing
    extensive damage to the infrastructure of the region.
        The State of Michigan requested a major disaster declaration through
    our emergency management agency to provide assistance to 10 counties. I
    have just been advised by the Director of FEMA, James Lee Witt, that his
    agency is reviewing the State's request, and he expects to recommend to
    me on Monday that a major disaster declaration is warranted with a
    preliminary estimate of $7.1 million, which is expected to increase as
    the thawing continues. I want to thank Representative Stupak and Senator
    Levin and Senator Reigle for their interest in the matter and say that I
    hope the thawing continues in the Upper Peninsula, Mr. Stupak.
        Now, back to the school. It's relatively small--3,400 students--and
    smaller than many of your competitors. And yet, by concentrating on the
    fundamentals, concentrating on quality, year after year you produce
    excellence. Three national titles in 7 years, two in the last 3 years.
    Three straight NCAA championship games.
        Be proud not just because you're champions, but more important,
    because of what made you champions: hard work, determination,
    discipline, loyalty, and teamwork. I hope each of you will take that
    example into your communities and on into your lives. There are too many
    young people in America who don't have the kind of hope you have, no one
    to push them forward or no one to cheer for them.
        Tonight and tomorrow, people all over this country will now see a
    picture of you here, and some child will be inspired to work harder.
    Because of you, he or she will believe that they can do more with their
    lives, make more of themselves, and make a difference.
        If I could leave one message today, it would be this: Never
    underestimate the impact of this achievement on other people, especially
    young people. President Kennedy once said, ``One man can make a
    difference, and every man should try.'' I hope all of you will do that.
        Again, welcome to the White House.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:13 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Herb Brooks, 1980 U.S. Olympic
    hockey team coach. This item was not received in time for publication in
    the appropriate issue.