January 8, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H101 legislation; and if we have other things Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. forward with a bill that will have a to do, let us have our committee hold Speaker, I yield myself the remaining longer and reformed authorization, and hearings to find out what has to be time. I will be brief. I will be glad to do that. done. But we should not penalize, jeop- I am pleased that we were able as the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ardize and put into such an anxiety first legislative effort this year to have of my time. state the American people. I just want the Committee on Financial Services Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- the record to reflect that. bring forward a bipartisan bill that is self the remaining time. b 1515 going to be accepted unanimously. In closing, let me thank my good There will be differences on some ideo- friend from Massachusetts, the new Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. logical issues, and I look forward to ranking member of the Committee on Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- our being able to debate those in a civil Financial Services, for his cooperation tlewoman from California (Ms. ESHOO). fashion, and I think it is important to Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my in this area. note the differences on some issues will friend and colleague the gentleman Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong in no way interfere with our ability to from Massachusetts (Mr. FRANK) for support of reauthorizing the FEMA Flood In- work together in a cooperative way on yielding me the time, and Mr. Speaker, surance Program. Yesterday, I introduced a the great bulk of issues that are not it is nice to see you in the Chair. similar piece of legislation, HR 215, and I am I am proud to be an original cospon- ideological and not partisan. very thankful to Chairman OXLEY for bringing sor of this bill to reinstate the Na- So I, as my first act as the ranking this important bill to the floor so that America’s tional Flood Insurance Program. It is minority member, am grateful to the homeowners can have the flood insurance widely known by the acronym NFIP. I chairman for giving us a chance to many of them desperately need. am relieved that it has come to the come forward this quickly in a bipar- I represent a district in southeast Louisiana, floor because it is important that it is tisan fashion. a region that is very prone to flooding, per- passed. It is important for many rea- I do want to note that there is one haps one of the most flood-prone areas in our sons. unsung hero in this act and it is an un- country. Nearly all of southeast Louisiana falls Because it did expire on December 21, sung hero that is actually criticized in flood zones. So, a lapse in this program it would affect 400,000 American home- and is unusually in the position of a would be devastating to commerce in Lou- owners because they will be without hero, and that is an entity called the isiana. Without the flood insurance, banks will coverage by the end of the month. So Federal Government. It has become not lend mortgage money to prospective home timeliness is important and it is legiti- very popular in America today to de- buyers or owners in designated flood zones. mate to say that this thing could have nounce government. Also, any home buyer that was set to close been taken care of before we left last The people who talk about less gov- after January 1 would suffer delays without year. So that is why I am saying I am ernment generally are applauded, and having the required flood insurance coverage. relieved that it is coming up today. we are told that we have to get the Living under the constant threat of a flood— For those who own property in flood- government to stop interfering with much less actually experiencing one—is dev- prone areas, flood insurance is really the private sector, but we are here astating enough mentally and physically with- essential. It is a must and the con- bringing forward a bill that will be out families having to worry about how to re- sequences of the lapse in this program passed unanimously because there are cover financially in the aftermath. With the are serious. New policies cannot be some important issues in this society passage of the important legislation, the real issued, and without coverage perspec- which the private sector cannot do by estate market will be able to move forward, tive home buyers may not be able to itself. If there was not a National and millions of homeowners will be assured close on a home. Many of us have Flood Insurance Program, we would they are covered in the event of a catas- closed on a home and we know that have serious difficulties. trophe. I thank the House for considering this there are many parts of that closure. I should add that I agree with those today, and I urge a yes vote. This is an essential piece if someone who spoke earlier, the gentleman from Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, we have no lives in a flood zone. Nebraska and the gentleman from Or- further speakers, and I yield back the Policies cannot be renewed for home- egon, about the need for reform. That balance of my time. owners whose policies expired after De- is why I was pleased that the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. cember 31st, and they could be liable tleman from Ohio took the bait, and I ISAKSON). The question is on the mo- for damage, even if they paid their pre- was glad to agree with him in resisting tion offered by the gentleman from miums. That is not such a great deal. a longer authorization. This is a 1-year Ohio (Mr. OXLEY) that the House sus- Finally, the NFIP will not be able to authorization, precisely so that we can pend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. borrow money to cover claims. So this as a committee work on the kind of re- 11. has to pass, and I do not think that forms that will be both environ- The question was taken; and (two- there is anyone that is opposed to it, mentally and fiscally sound that this thirds having voted in favor thereof) but we really did not have to come to program can have. the rules were suspended and the bill this point of anxiety. Whether it is reformed in one way or was passed. My constituents have a special asso- not, it will remain an example of the A motion to reconsider was laid on ciation with this coverage. That is be- government coming to the aid of the the table. cause we suffered severe flooding in private sector in dealing with an im- portant national need that the private 1998 in the last El Nino, and hundreds f of homes were flooded, many millions sector by itself cannot deal with. It is of dollars in damage. We can ill afford not an entirely government enterprise to be without this flood insurance either. It is an example of private/pub- CONGRATULATING OHIO STATE today. lic sector cooperation, and on that UNIVERSITY BUCKEYES FOOT- I want to urge every single person in grounds I am glad to have it. BALL TEAM this House to vote for this. It should be I would also add just for the histor- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I move to unanimous. It should be bipartisan. ical record, I have the CONGRESSIONAL suspend the rules and agree to the reso- The American people deserved to have RECORD from the last day. At least on lution (H. Res. 10) congratulating the this taken care of before we left, but as the last day of the session in Novem- football team for I said, I am relieved it is on the floor ber, no unanimous consent request was winning the 2002 NCAA Division I-A now. Let us get this thing done. Let us made. So I do not see any record that collegiate football national champion- send it to the President to have him anybody here objected to it, but the ship. sign it into law. The American people important issue is we are bringing for- The Clerk read as follows: deserve the backing of this kind of in- ward this bill. I believe it is going to H. RES. 10 surance coverage and cannot afford to pass unanimously, and it is certainly Whereas in 2002, the Ohio State University be without it. my commitment and I know the chair- Buckeyes football team captured its fifth un- I thank the gentleman for yielding man’s to begin a process this year so disputed collegiate national football cham- the time. that we can within a few months come pionship;

VerDate Dec 13 2002 02:41 Jan 09, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JA7.105 H08PT1 H102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 8, 2003 Whereas The Ohio State University is a There was no objection. distinguished gentleman from Ohio member of the of the Na- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- (Mr. BOEHNER), the chairman of the tional Collegiate Athletic Association Divi- self as much time as I may consume. Committee on Education and the sion I–A and in 2002 was the Conference’s As a member of the Committee on Workforce. champion for the 29th time in school history; Whereas The Ohio State University’s 14–0 Education and the Workforce, it is a Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, let me record in 2002 is the best for a season for a privilege to manage this resolution thank my colleague the gentleman Division I–A football team in national col- today on behalf of the committee and from Ohio (Mr. TIBERI) from Columbus, lege football history; for my neighbor and colleague from Co- Ohio, and an Ohio State grad and a Whereas on the way to the national cham- lumbus, Ohio (Ms. PRYCE), a graduate former member of the Ohio State pionship Ohio State defeated five nationally of the Ohio State University, on the marching band for bringing this resolu- ranked opponents, which included a 14–9 tri- new reigning NCAA national cham- tion to the floor today, and let me say umph over the University of Michigan; pions of , congratu- I support the underlying resolution, Whereas The Ohio State University en- tered the as an 11-point under- lating the Ohio State University on a support and congratulate the Ohio dog to a University of Miami team that was great season and a great title game. State University on what really was an on a 34-game winning streak, yet emerged The gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. outstanding season, not only for the victorious; PRYCE), a huge Buckeye fan, represents coach and the players, the fans, but for Whereas has won the main campus of the Ohio State all who watched Ohio State go through five national college football championships, University and could not be with us a number of games where it was very the 2002 championship being his first Divi- today because of leadership obliga- close, games that they were certainly sion I–A title and his first with The Ohio tions. about to lose, including the national State University; I, as the other Member of Congress Whereas Coach Tressel and his father Lee championship. Tressel are the only father-son combination from Columbus, Ohio, have a privilege As an old football player myself, I to each win National Coach of the Year hon- to manage this resolution today hon- can tell my colleagues the game on ors and a national championship in football; oring our great football team and a tre- January 3, the national championship Whereas each player, coach, trainer, and mendous season, a true story of David game, was one of the most exciting manager dedicated their time and effort to versus Goliath, with 13 seniors and football games that I have ever ensuring that the Buckeyes reached the pin- many young players on a team in an watched or one that I ever played in. nacle of team achievement; incredible season, unprecedented sea- The real credit here goes to Coach Whereas The Ohio State University March- son, 14 and 0. Jim Tressel and his players. They did ing Band, and the cheerleaders, students, alumni, faculty, and supporters of The Ohio Ohio State brought home its fifth na- not have the most talented team in the State University are to be congratulated for tional championship, Mr. Speaker, a country, not even close, and to win all their commitment and pride in the Buck- classic season and a classic final game of the close games all year is a sign of eyes’ football program; and for the ages. very good coaching and players who Whereas its five Division I–A football na- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of come together to create a very good tional championships makes the Ohio State my time. team, and so for myself and my col- University football program among the most Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield leagues, our delegation, we want to successful in college football history: Now, myself as much time as I may con- congratulate the Ohio State Univer- therefore, be it sume. Resolved, That the House of Representa- sity, the coach Jim Tressel, the players tives— I rise in support of H. Res. 10, con- and all the fans. (1) congratulates the Ohio State University gratulating Ohio State University for Way to go, Bucks. football team for winning the 2002 NCAA Di- winning the NCAA Division I football Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 vision I–A collegiate football national cham- championship. minutes to the distinguished gen- pionship; Last Friday, Ohio State captured its tleman from Ohio (Mr. OXLEY), the (2) recognizes the achievements of all the fifth national football championship, chairman of the Committee on Finan- players, coaches, and support staff who were winning one of the most closely fought cial Services, and a Ohio State Univer- instrumental in helping The Ohio State Uni- college football games in recent mem- sity Law School graduate. versity win the 2002 NCAA Division I–A col- legiate football national championship and ory. College football fans, student ath- (Mr. OXLEY asked and was given invites them to the United States Capitol letes and the general public were treat- permission to revise and extend his re- Building to be honored; ed to an exciting Fiesta Bowl and end marks.) (3) requests that the President recognize to this college football season. Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the accomplishments and achievements of I want to extend my hearty con- the gentleman for yielding me the the 2002 Ohio State University football team gratulations to head coach Jim time, and this is indeed a proud day for and invite them to Washington, D.C., for a Tressel, Ohio State University presi- all Buckeyes. This has been quite a White House ceremony for national cham- dent Karen Holbrook, and Ohio State’s season to see in the ups and downs, and pionship teams; and to see this talented group of athletes, (4) directs the Clerk of the House of Rep- student athletes for a job very well resentatives to make available enrolled cop- done. student athletes, under the leadership ies of this resolution to The Ohio State Uni- I also want to extend my congratula- of Coach Jim Tressel was a memorable versity for appropriate display and to trans- tions to the University of Miami and time for all of us and to see an under- mit an enrolled copy of the resolution to their student athletes for a great sea- dog team perform so well in the Fiesta each coach and member of the 2002 NCAA Di- son. The University of Miami won all Bowl for the national championship, vision I–A collegiate football national cham- of their games during the regular sea- with a crowd that was probably 80 to 85 pionship team. son and produced two leading Heisman percent made up of scarlet and gray The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- trophy contenders in Ken Dorsey and was truly amazing, and as the coach ant to the rule, the gentleman from William McGahee. I know that I speak said after the game, he felt that the Ohio (Mr. TIBERI) and the gentlewoman for all of this Congress as we wish Mr. crowd, very strong crowd, from Ohio from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) each McGahee a speedy and thorough recov- State truly made a difference in the will control 20 minutes. ery from the knee injury he sustained outcome, and for that, we are very, The Chair recognizes the gentleman during the game. very pleased. from Ohio (Mr. TIBERI). Winning a championship has brought The gentleman from Columbus men- GENERAL LEAVE national acclaim to Ohio State Univer- tioned that I was an Ohio State law Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I ask sity, and I hope the fans at the univer- grad. That is correct. It is also true unanimous consent that all Members sity and the university community that of the four branch campuses of the may have 5 legislative days within treasures this moment for many, many Ohio State University, I represent which to revise and extend their re- years to come. three, in Mansfield and Lima and Mar- marks on H. Res. 10. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ion. I have had a long-standing rela- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there my time. tionship with that great university, objection to the request of the gen- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield as and we have seen perhaps the culmina- tleman from Ohio? much time as he may consume to the tion of a season, like no other, where

VerDate Dec 13 2002 02:41 Jan 09, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08JA7.026 H08PT1 January 8, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H103 we have won 14 games, including the his belief in college football and what could not be with us on the floor today national championship. it means to the student athlete, the because of leadership duties. But again, The last one we won was January 1 of importance of teamwork and sports- on behalf of the entire Ohio delegation, 1969, when I was a senior at Ohio State manship, school spirit and heart; and we want to again congratulate Ohio Law School and got to see Ohio State he was recognized this week as coach of State University and all of the Buck- defeat Southern California. If the gen- the year by the eye nation for a fantastic season and a tlewoman from California is listening, Coaches Association, a truly well-de- well-deserved honor. we beat USC for the national cham- served honor. As a native of Columbus and an Ohio pionship. So is smiling Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he State graduate and a 4-year member of somewhere today because Ohio State is may consume to the gentleman from the Ohio State Marching Band, I want back on top, and for that we are very, Springfield, Ohio (Mr. HOBSON), who is to also congratulate the rest of the very grateful. a distinguished law school graduate folks at Ohio State; not just the team, I thank the gentleman from Colum- from Ohio State University. but the band, the cheerleaders, the en- bus for his leadership in this area. Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rep- tire athletic department, the student As an Ohio State football fan since I was resent a large part of Franklin County. athletes who represent other sports, boy, I never thought I’d say this, but there is I would like to thank the gentleman and the students as well of Ohio State something bigger than the Michigan game. from Columbus for his leadership on University for such a fine honor, as Ohio State has a great football history. this bill. As a former band member, I well as to again salute Coach Tressel Going into this year 4 consensus National guess he learned how to march pretty and the entire organization not only in Championships. 28 Big Ten Championships. well; and he has done a good job here in winning the championship but doing it 13 Rose Bowl appearances. 6 Heisman Tro- Congress. with class. phy Winners. It was a great game, and both teams Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it was with some But I doubt there will ever be a single game need to be congratulated for playing an reluctance that I voted for the OSU resolution. that matches what happened last Friday night outstanding game, one of the best tra- Much has been said today about the quality at the Fiesta Bowl when the Buckeyes de- ditions in competition. There were no of the Ohio State players, coaches, and fans. However, nothing has been said about the feated the , 31Ð24 in over- penalties, as I recall, for any unneces- refs. time, to win their first undisputed national sary roughness or unsportsmanlike ac- After watching the game I too, wondered championship since the 1968 team. tivities in that game. It was true champions going at each other. about the refs and their ability to be employed I was a student at the Ohio State’s law in the future. I was pleased to see that they school back then and never dreamed I’d have In the final analysis, the champion was Ohio State University. Ohio State seemed to be in action just a couple days to wait this long to see the Buckeyes win an- later during the San FranciscoÐN.Y. Giants other championship. But in exchange for a lit- University is a champion in many ways, not just in football but in a lot of game on Sunday. tle patience and few frustrating years against I yield back the balance of my time. our neighboring state to the north, Ohio State other endeavors as a university. It is Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great fans were able to watch our team play and an outstanding university in this coun- pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to win the greatest college football game in his- try, and it has been my pleasure to The Ohio State University football team. On tory. work with them on a number of things. January 3rd they finished their season by Under legendary coach Woody Hayes, the I think there was a time when many beating the then number 1 ranked Miami Hur- Buckeyes usually went into games as the fa- people said to themselves, golly, I won- ricanes in the Fiesta Bowl. This resulted in vorites. This time, the experts said Ohio State der if this new coach can coach at this their winning the Division 1ÐA College Football was overmatched. But Coach Jim Tressel level in the Big Ten. Well, I think that National Championship. This is the university’s knew that all any team needs to do to win, is has all been put to rest. He is a na- first title since 1968. Furthermore, Mr. Speak- make plays. The plays were unforgettable— tional coach today. He has a national er, the Buckeyes are the first Big 10 team to and there were so many of them! reputation. And he has shown what a win the crown since the Bowl Championship ’s strip after a crucial Miami true gentleman can do in recruiting Series was implemented in 1998. interception. Michael Doss’s pick-off. Matt and in coaching this young team to the The amount of time and effort Coach Wilhelms’s crushing sack. ’s mi- success that they had this year. He has Tressel, his staff, and the team put into this raculous 4th-and-14 completion in overtime built a successful football team with- feat is a tribute to the proud tradition boasted and his sneak for the touchdown. out sacrificing strong beliefs in the im- by The Ohio State University. They have prov- And the final goal line stand by a valiant de- portance of academics for his players. en that even the most difficult goals can be fense. His leadership has paid off with the reached through hard work, sacrifice, and I salute Miami’s effort, and you can see why Buckeyes’ having a championship to dedication. they were the defending champions. But we in show for it and memories of a game Mr. Speaker, Jim Tressel is the only coach Ohio are proud that the Buckeyes won and that people and sports writers are al- currently in his profession to win national titles ever prouder of the way they won: with deter- ready calling one of the greatest col- in both Division 1ÐAA and now Division 1ÐA. mination, passion, and courage. This is a lege football games in history. He won four national titles while coaching at team that taught all of us a lesson, and the In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would Youngstown State and now has his first at lesson is: it’s only over when you stop trying. like to quote something that Coach Ohio State. His steadfastness toward edu- I don’t want to wait another 34 years to see Tressel said. He said, I believe an accu- cation and the discipline he demands off the Ohio State play for another national champion- rate quote, ‘‘We have always known we field is a formula to which all coaches should ship. But my heart may need that long to re- had the best damn band in the land. aspire. His win last Friday validates so much cover from this one! Now we know we have the best damned more than what a strong defense can do for team in the land.’’ With that, Go a team. It shows that character, planning, and b 1530 Bucks! responsible decision-making are what really Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve matters in the end. Coach Tressel has built an self such time as I may consume. the balance of my time to close. organization that has taken The Ohio State Mr. Speaker, the chairman of the Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I have University back to greatness both on and off Committee on Financial Services men- no further requests for time, and I the football field. On behalf of Ohio’s Fifth tioned that he represents three of the yield back the balance of my time. Congressional District, I congratulate him, his four branch campuses. I happen to rep- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- coaches, and the team on a job well done. resent the fourth, in Newark, Ohio. So self the balance of my time. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is with I believe we have the State covered, As my colleague, the gentleman from tremendous pride that I offer this resolution, Mr. Chairman. Ohio (Mr. HOBSON), mentioned, he also which congratulates the Ohio State Buckeyes The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. represents Franklin County. We also on their historic win against the Miami Hurri- BOEHNER) mentioned that Coach Jim have the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. canes in claiming the 2002 Division 1ÐA na- Tressel has truly reinvigorated the PRYCE), who represents Franklin Coun- tional collegiate football championship. football program at Ohio State and the ty, and as I said represents the main Mr. Speaker, the Buckeyes steadily rose fans around the State of Ohio, but also campus of Ohio State University, but through the national rankings this year under

VerDate Dec 13 2002 05:22 Jan 09, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0636 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K08JA7.111 H08PT1 H104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 8, 2003 the unwavering leadership of their second tion offered by the gentleman from ley State University football team and invite year head coach, Jim Tressel. Starting the Ohio (Mr. TIBERI) that the House sus- them to Washington, D.C., for a White House season ranked an unlucky 13th, the Buckeyes pend the rules and agree to the resolu- ceremony for national championship teams; tion, House Resolution 10. and kept winning and winning, ending up the reg- (3) directs the Clerk of the House of Rep- ular season by beating archrival Michigan 14Ð The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the resentatives to transmit an enrolled copy of 9, remaining undefeated and ranked 2nd in this resolution to Grand Valley State Uni- the country. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of versity for appropriate display. those present have voted in the affirm- Their record earned Ohio State a trip to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Tempe, Arizona to play in the Bowl Champion- ative. Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, on that I ant to the rule, the gentleman from ship Series national championship game Michigan (Mr. HOEKSTRA) and the gen- demand the yeas and nays. against the Miami Hurricanes, a game in tlewoman from California (Ms. WOOL- which the Buckeyes entered as an 11 point The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- SEY) each will control 20 minutes. underdog. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the The Chair recognizes the gentleman In that national championship game, ulti- Chair’s prior announcement, further from Michigan (Mr. HOEKSTRA). mately decided in double overtime Ohio State proceedings on this motion will be GENERAL LEAVE emerged victorious with their offense scoring postponed. Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I ask 31 points and their defense holding Miami for unanimous consent that all Members four downs on the two yard line as time ex- f may have 5 legislative days in which to pired to win the game. Critics and sports- CONGRATULATING THE GRAND revise and extend their remarks on H. writers have already called this game arguably VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY Res. 13. the greatest college football game ever LAKERS FOR WINNING THE 2002 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there played. NCAA DIVISION II FOOTBALL NA- objection to the request of the gen- The Buckeyes found a breathtaking way to TIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP tleman from Michigan? end an equally dramatic season. Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I move There was no objection. Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield From their fourth-down play successes to to suspend the rules and agree to the myself such time as I may consume. their 8 come-from-behind victories, Ohio State resolution (H. Res. 13) congratulating showed their hearts on the field and won a Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- the Grand Valley State University gratulate the Grand Valley State Uni- record setting 14 victories. Lakers for winning the 2002 NCAA Di- Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a mo- versity Lakers Football Team. On De- vision II Football National Champion- cember 14, approximately 3 weeks be- ment to recognize Coach Tressel, who is in ship. his second year as the Head Coach of the fore the Ohio State Buckeyes became The Clerk read as follows: national champions, the Grand Valley Ohio State Buckeyes. Coach Tressel’s stoic, H. RES. 13 disciplinarian, and consistent style of leader- State University Lakers Football Whereas on December 14, 2002, the Grand Team set the national standard by win- ship has restored the Buckeye team to its Valley State University Lakers won the 2002 rightful place among the nation’s elite college ning the NCAA Division II Football Na- NCAA Division II Football National Cham- tional Championship by defeating Val- programs. And, in the process, Coach Tressel pionship by defeating Valdosta State Univer- has instantly joined coaches Woody Hayes sity; dosta State University. In all seriousness, as a Wolverine and in the annals of Ohio State’s Whereas this national championship is the from the great State of Michigan, just proud athletic history. In two short seasons, school’s first in a varsity sport; north of the State of Ohio, congratula- Coach Tressel has demonstrated that winning Whereas the Lakers won the 2002 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tions to our colleagues of the Big Ten, is innate—whether at Division 1ÐAA (Division (GLIAC) Football Championship with a per- the Ohio State Buckeyes. It was a 1 double A) Youngstown State or the Ohio fect 9-0 record in league play; great year for the Midwest. My sym- State University. Whereas the Lakers completed the 2002 pathy to my colleagues in other parts However, the 2002 Buckeye team was per- season with a perfect 14-0 record, and won 33 of the country who did not enjoy the haps best personified by junior quarterback of its last 34 games; same type of success the Midwest had Whereas Head Coach Brian Kelly has been Craig Krenzel. The consistently under-rated this year during the football season. Krenzel, a molecular genetics major carrying a with the team since 1991, and has lead the team to a 104-34-2 overall record; This game also was an exciting game 3.7 GPA, displayed a grit and toughness equal that pitted the number one ranked to his intellect by scoring two dramatic touch- Whereas the Lakers returned 51 letter win- ners, including 16 starters from the 2001 team Grand Valley State Lakers against the downs, leading both teams in rushing yards, that fell only to North Dakota in the NCAA number two ranked and perennial foot- and earning the Fiesta Bowl’s MVP honor. Division II National Championship game; ball powerhouse Valdosta State Uni- Ohio State football history and tradition are Whereas the Lakers placed 18 players on versity from the great State of Geor- the bedrock of Columbus, Ohio—from The the 2002 All-GLIAC team; gia. Ultimately, the game was won by Best Damn Band in the Land, the Dotting of Whereas quarterback Curt Anes was named the Lakers when quarterback Curt the I in Script Ohio to the Horseshoe, Skull the GLIAC Player of the Year for the second straight year and earned the 2002 Harlon Hill Anes threw a 10-yard scoring pass to Sessions and Hineygate, Ohio State fans are wide receiver David Kircus with 1:04 ever mindful of the University’s storied past. Trophy as NCAA Division II’s most out- standing player; left in the game to lift the Lakers to a Both with and without tickets, some 60,000 Whereas the Lakers defense dominated op- 31–24 victory. adoring OSU faithful traveled to Tempe to ponents by ranking 34th in the Nation in In addition to the national cham- cheer on their Buckeyes, coloring Sun Devil rushing defense and recording 58 quarterback pionship victory and the second con- Stadium in a sea of scarlet and gray, and giv- sacks; secutive trip to the national champion- ing the Buckeyes a home field advantage Whereas the students, alumni, faculty, and ship game, Grand Valley captured its some 2000 miles away from Columbus. fans of Grand Valley State University second consecutive Great Lake Inter- As a graduate of The Ohio State University, showed their support for by helping the collegiate Athletic Conference Football Lakers set a GLIAC record for regular-sea- I take enormous pride in the Ohio State foot- Championship with a perfect 9–0 ball team’s sportsmanship and courage. The son attendance; and Whereas the Lakers have displayed great record, and going through the playoffs Buckeyes showed the world the definition of strength, ability, and perseverance this sea- and concluding the season with a per- champions. Their preparation, fortitude, and son and have made the State of Michigan fect record of 14–0. desire will go down in the history of athletic proud: Now, therefore, be it Head Coach Brian Kelly, who has competition as an example of triumph in the Resolved, That the House of Representa- been with the team since 1991, has led face of adversity. I could not be more pleased tives— the team to a 104–34–2 overall record to be a fan, alumna, and Representative of (1) congratulates the Grand Valley State and has much to be proud of. Coach The Ohio State University and their champion- University Lakers for winning the 2002 NCAA Kelly assembled an extraordinary foot- Division II Football National Championship ship football team. and recognizes all the players, coaches, and ball program and a stellar coaching Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield support staff who were instrumental in this staff. back the balance of my time. achievement; Led by senior quarterback Curt Anes, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. (2) requests that the President recognize who on the evening before the cham- ISAKSON). The question is on the mo- the accomplishments of the 2002 Grand Val- pionship game was awarded the 2002

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