H6500 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 15, 2008 the gentleman from New York (Mr. Whereas the Fresno State Bulldogs opened also Western Athletic Conference All-Aca- BISHOP) that the House suspend the the with a victory over demic performers; rules and agree to the resolution, H. sixth-seeded Rice University and had two Whereas was named the Res. 1259, as amended. wins over number-two national seed Univer- College World Series Most Outstanding Play- The question was taken. sity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; er and was named to the 2008 National Colle- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Whereas the Bulldogs hit 14 home runs, the giate Team; second most in College World Series history, Whereas Erik Wetzel, , Steve opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being and set the record for the most extra-base Detwiler, and were named to in the affirmative, the ayes have it. hits, runs batted in, and total bases in a the 2008 College World Series All-Tour- Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- championship game; nament Team; er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Whereas the Bulldogs became the first Whereas, in addition to the players who The yeas and nays were ordered. team in College World Series history to earned all-conference honors, the Bulldogs The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- score at least 17 runs more than once in the saw outstanding play from , Jor- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the same College World Series; dan Ribera, Gavin Hedstrom, and Ryan Over- Chair’s prior announcement, further Whereas the Bulldogs became the first land; proceedings on this motion will be number-four regional seed to reach the Col- Whereas Bulldog coaches , postponed. lege World Series since the tournament ex- , Mike Mayne, and Pat Waer and panded in 1999; the entire Bulldog roster and staff have f Whereas all 10 of the Bulldogs’ postseason earned a special place in Fresno State sports CONGRATULATING 2008 NCAA wins have come against teams ranked in the history; CHAMPION FRESNO top 15, including its final 7 wins over na- Whereas many members of the Bulldog tional seeds; STATE BULLDOGS team will never play Whereas the Bulldogs played on the road and truly give meaning to the term ‘‘stu- Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- for over 40 days; dent-athlete’’; and er, I move to suspend the rules and Whereas, throughout the College World Se- Whereas Fresno State’s competition for agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1327) ries, the Bulldogs won 6 elimination games, the national championship has been exciting congratulating the 2008 National Colle- including a 19–10 victory over the University to watch for all those who have an attach- of Georgia Bulldogs in the championship se- giate Athletic Association (NCAA) Di- ment to the University, the San Joaquin ries; Valley, and the game we call our national vision I Baseball Champions, the Fres- Whereas, for the third consecutive season, no State Bulldogs, on an outstanding pastime: Now, therefore, be it the Bulldogs earned a preseason ranking in Resolved, That the House of Representa- and historic season, as amended. Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s Fabulous 40 tives— The Clerk read the title of the resolu- and an 18th-place ranking from Baseball (1) congratulates the 2008 National Colle- tion. America Magazine; giate Athletic Association (NCAA) Baseball The text of the resolution is as fol- Whereas the Bulldogs won 47 games and Champions, the Fresno State Bulldogs, on an lows: lost 31 games during the 2008 season; outstanding and historic season; and Whereas 7 members of the Bulldog team H. RES. 1327 (2) recognizes that the Bulldogs, in winning were named to the Preseason All-Western Whereas California State University, Fres- their first College World Series, concluded Athletic Conference Team; an unprecedented season and championship no, better known as Fresno State, was found- Whereas on May 17, 2008, the Bulldogs won ed in 1911 and has offered advanced degrees that captivated baseball fans across Amer- their third straight Western Athletic Con- ica. since 1949; ference championship; Whereas Fresno State has one of the top Whereas on May 25, 2008, the Bulldogs won The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Agriculture Sciences and Technology pro- their third straight Western Athletic Con- ant to the rule, the gentleman from grams in the California State University sys- ference tournament after beating the Univer- New York (Mr. BISHOP) and the gen- tem, with a worldwide reputation in water sity of Nevada; tleman from Delaware (Mr. CASTLE) technology, more than 200 awards for stu- Whereas the Bulldogs had not played in a each will control 20 minutes. dent-produced wines, and research having College World Series since 1991; The Chair recognizes the gentleman global impact in the areas of food produc- Whereas the Bulldogs won the Long Beach tion, land preservation, and irrigation; Regional and Tempe Super Regional tour- from New York. Whereas Fresno State’s Craig School of naments, and beat 3rd-ranked Arizona State GENERAL LEAVE Business has been recognized in the Prince- University, 6th-ranked San Diego Univer- Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- ton Review’s top business schools and is na- sity, and 11th-ranked Long Beach State Uni- er, I request 5 legislative days during tionally acclaimed for its Lyles Center for versity; which Members may revise and extend Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Whereas head coach Mike Batesole was and insert extraneous material on H. Whereas Fresno State also offers well-re- named the 2008 National Coach of the Year, garded programs in schools or colleges de- the second time in 10 years he has won the Res. 1327 into the RECORD. voted to arts and humanities, health and award; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there human services, education and human devel- Whereas Steve Susdorf was named the objection to the request of the gen- opment, social sciences, physical sciences, Western Athletic Conference Player of the tleman from New York? and mathematics and engineering; Year, was named the There was no objection. Whereas Fresno State is home to approxi- Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- mately 19,000 undergraduate students, 2,200 Year, Danny Muno was named the Western er, I yield myself such time as I may graduate students, and nearly 1,000 post-bac- Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, consume. calaureate students; and head coach Mike Batesole was named Whereas in the recent Western Association the Western Athletic Conference Co-Coach of Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- of Schools and Colleges accreditation proc- the Year; gratulate the California State Univer- ess, Fresno State was commended as a ‘‘na- Whereas Steve Susdorf, Tanner Scheppers, sity Fresno State men’s baseball team tional model for institutions interested in Erik Wetzel, Alan Ahmady, and Brandon for winning the 2008 Division I College becoming generators of social mobility, eco- Burke earned First-Team All-Western Ath- World Series. nomic development, and student success’’; letic Conference honors; Since June 14, the first day of the Whereas Fresno State prepares its students Whereas seniors Clayton Allison, Blake College World Series, Fresno State to prosper in their chosen careers by being Amador, Jason Breckley, Brandon Burke, made an improbable run at the cham- responsible citizens in their communities, as Jacob Hower, Ryan Overland, and Steve pionship. As a fourth seed, they fought well as in the State, Nation, and world; Susdorf and junior Kris Tomlinson have Whereas all Fresno State athletic pro- graduated or will graduate within 9 semes- and clawed their way into the College grams pride themselves on recruiting male ters, having managed their time well enough World Series. Just to make the College and female athletes from local high schools to keep up with studies and play champion- Word Series, Fresno State had to win and junior colleges; ship baseball over 78 games and hundreds of the Western Athletic Conference. Whereas every member of this year’s practice sessions; Though they edged their way into the championship baseball team is from Cali- Whereas Steve Susdorf was a Western Ath- CWS, their presence was definitely felt. fornia, with many players hailing from such letic Conference All-Academic awardee for They gave college baseball fans across San Joaquin Valley towns as Fresno, Clovis, the fourth year and also won ESPN The Mag- the country special treat with their Bakersfield, Visalia, Hanford, and Turlock; azine Academic All-District and second team Whereas the Fresno State Bulldogs base- Academic All-America honors; amazing play. ball team beat the University of Georgia Whereas senior Clayton Allison, juniors The Bulldogs belted their way Bulldogs two games to one to win the 2008 Kris Tomlinson and Erik Wetzel, and fresh- through their matchup with Rice Uni- College World Series; men Trent Soares and Jake Floethe were versity. This lopsided affair ended with

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Jul 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JY7.039 H15JYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE July 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6501 the final score being 17–5. The Bulldog many other student athletes that excel the Bulldogs of the West, on their vic- team had a pair of home runs and eight both on and off the field. tory over the University of Georgia out of the nine starters had a hit. The The story of the Fresno State Bull- last month to claim the 2008 NCAA Di- team steamed forward to play the sec- dogs in the College World Series is one vision I baseball championship of the ond-seeded University of North Caro- of outstanding achievement. country. Obviously, as Congressman lina. In this best-of-three series, Fresno With sweat and guts, the Bulldogs NUNES mentioned, I am a proud alum won the first game 5–3, lost a tight sec- won the WAC tournament merely to of the University of California at Fres- ond match 4–3, and sealed their cham- qualify for the College World Series no State, or as we like to refer to it, pionship fate beating UNC 6–1 in the Their performance at the national the Bulldogs. final affair. championship not only proved that What Fresno State accomplished in In the championship series against they belonged in this elite tournament, their road to victory winning the na- the University of Georgia, the Fresno but also left no doubt they were the tional championship has all the mak- Bulldogs ended up losing their first best team in the Nation. ings of a movie. The Dogs came into game in the best-of-three series. The Without regard for the doubters and the tournament, it was noted, fourth Fresno players bounced back with a the critics, Fresno State baseball ex- regional seed, and along the way beat vengeance. They cruised to a 19–8 vic- hibited an uncompromising commit- prestigious powerhouse universities tory with run after run. In the final ment to success, which is truly char- like Rice, the University of North game, Fresno brought home a cham- acteristic of this university. Challenge Carolina, two big wins. They are the pionship after defeating University of after challenge, they pulled through in first, as was noted, fourth seed to reach Georgia 6–1. the face of adversity and achieved the the finals and win the National Colle- I want to extend my congratulations greatest victory in the school’s his- giate Athletic Association champion- to Coach Mike Batesole who was tory. ship in any sport in the history of our named the 2008 National Coach of the During their outstanding run at the country. Year—the second time he has won this 2008 College World Series, the Fresno b 1230 award. He has led them through an State Bulldogs broke a series of amazing College World Series. Assist- records. They were the only team in As a matter of fact, they are the low- ant Coaches Matt Curtis, Mike Mayne, College World Series history to score est seed to win a national champion- and Pat Waer complete the coaching more than 17 runs in two separate ship, including professional sports. staff. All of them have done a stellar games. The team also set records for They went from underdogs to job preparing this confident group. the most home runs, most extra-base wonderdogs. The team played on the Congratulations are always in order hits, most runs batted in, and most road for 40 straight days and 40 nights. for Tommy Mendonca for winning the total bases in a championship game. Forty days and 40 nights they played College World Series MVP and for Fresno State was the lowest seeded away from home, first going to Baton being invited to play with the USA Na- team to ever to win the College World Rouge to win the WAC tournament, tional Collegiate Baseball Team. Series, and this championship victory then going back to Long Beach to win Mendonca hit .285 with 19 home runs, 70 marks the highest achievement of the the Western tournament, and then to RBIs and eight doubles for the College program in its entire history. the super-regionals in Phoenix to win World Series champions this season. He While they excelled as a team, some that tournament, beating the Univer- also hit four home runs and drove in 11 were also recognized for their excep- sity of Arizona twice, with their record runs during the College World Series. tional individual performances. Fresno of 30–2, the University of Arizona in Winning the national championship State player Tommy Mendonca was their home stadium; yet the Bulldogs as an underdog has brought national chosen as the Most Valuable Player, prevailed to put themselves in the Col- acclaim to Fresno State. They are the Most Outstanding Player in the College lege World Series Finals. lowest seed to win a College World Se- World Series, and was selected for the What’s important to note about this ries and the first men’s team to win a U.S.A. Baseball National Team. Coach long trek, this incredible journey, is national championship for their school. Mike Batesole received the Coach of that there were five Bulldogs who made These Bulldogs have earned a special the Year award for the second time in this year’s College World Series All- place in Fresno State sports history. his career. Many other outstanding Tournament Team. They were Erik I once again congratulate Fresno performances are highlighted in this Wetzel, Steve Susdorf, Steve Detwiler, State for their amazing success. resolution. Justin Wilson, and Tommy Mendonca. I reserve the balance of my time. The accomplishment of this team has Congratulations to all of them. They Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, at this filled the community with the utmost were all Californians. time I yield to the gentleman from sense of pride. As underdogs, Fresno These truly are student athletes in California (Mr. NUNES) such time as he State overcame all the odds and the finest sense of the word. I suspect may consume. achieved the much-deserved title of the majority of these folks will never Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I want to champions of the College World Series. play professional baseball, although I thank my colleagues, Mr. COSTA and Congratulations to the Fresno State suspect they all might want to, and we Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. COSTA, of course, Bulldogs for the tremendous achieve- wish them the best in their endeavors. is a very proud alum of Fresno State so ment. But these were student athletes who he’s very excited for this day, and I Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- are getting a college education and, in want to thank them both for their help er, I wish to extend as much time as he the meantime, enjoying those wonder- on passage of this important legisla- may consume to the gentleman from ful aspects of student sports for their tion. California (Mr. COSTA). university and for their own pride of I rise today to congratulate my Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I want to accomplishment. hometown baseball team, the Fresno thank my colleague, Congressman Tommy Mendonca, from Turlock, State Bulldogs, who entered the Col- NUNES, for the introduction of this res- California, was named the College lege World Series as underdogs and olution. He has the university in his World Series Most Outstanding Player against all odds succeeded in clinching congressional district. Congressman and was recently named to the 2008 Na- the championship title. The Fresno RADANOVICH and myself share the same tional Collegiate Team. He comes from State baseball program has had a suc- sort of pride and enthusiasm for the a strong Portuguese family, that both cessful history since its inception in university, and all three of us work Congressman NUNES and I share, and 1922. Bulldog baseball boasts five titles, very closely with the institution, we we enjoyed watching him play all sea- three WAC championships, 30 NCAA think one of the finest academic insti- son long. tournament appearances and four ap- tutions in the country. Congressman The character, the camaraderie, the pearances in the College World Series. BISHOP, we thank you for your kind preparation, and the ultimate perform- The program has produced excellent words. ance of the success of this team flows players We want to recognize today the Fres- from Coach Batsole and his wonderful throughout their 86-year history and no State baseball team, the Bulldogs, staff that really made a difference.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:34 Jul 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JY7.040 H15JYPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H6502 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 15, 2008 When the team started out 8–11 at the As the lyrics in the Bulldogs’ fight nicated to the House by Mrs. Wanda beginning of the season, expectations song state: ‘‘So fight and give the best Evans, one of his secretaries. diminished, but they didn’t let that, there is in you . . . we’ll fight on to f with a series of injuries, put a damper victory.’’ And the Bulldogs did just on their spirit, and that spirit of the that. With unwavering determination, RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING Bulldogs came back. Go Dogs! with complete dedication, the Bulldogs THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN I want to thank my friend Congress- gave their all, and in the end, they DANCE THEATER man NUNES for introducing this resolu- were victorious. Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- It is with great pride that I stand tion and my dear friend Congressman er, I move to suspend the rules and here with my colleagues today sup- RADANOVICH for his support for the uni- agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1088) porting H. Res. 1327, congratulating the versity. This is a great time that we recognizing and commending the Alvin Fresno State Bulldogs on their College share for the Valley and for the Univer- Ailey American Dance Theater for 50 World Series Championship. Go Dogs! sity of Fresno State. years of service as a vital American Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, at this Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- er, I continue to reserve. cultural ambassador to the world, as time, I yield to the gentleman from amended. California (Mr. RADANOVICH) such time Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I’m pre- pared to yield back. I’d just like to The Clerk read the title of the resolu- as he may consume. tion. Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I make a comment or two and I will do The text of the resolution is as fol- thank the gentleman from Delaware so, and I yield myself such time as I lows: for giving me time to speak on this. may consume. I’d like to begin first by thanking my I would like to thank all of those who H. RES. 1088 colleagues Mr. NUNES and Mr. COSTA were involved in this. Mr. CARDOZA Whereas the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (‘‘AAADT’’) is widely recognized as and Mr. CARDOZA for working with me couldn’t be here to speak, but I thank one of the world’s premier modern dance to introduce H. Res. 1327, and congratu- him as well for his interest in this. And I would just like to congratulate companies; late the Fresno State Bulldogs on win- Whereas the AAADT is dedicated to pro- ning the NCAA Division I College everybody involved with Fresno State. I watched some of these games on tele- moting the uniqueness of the African-Amer- World Series. ican cultural experience and the preserva- The Fresno State baseball team’s vision. You see a Georgia versus a tion and enrichment of the modern dance journey of becoming the College World Fresno State and your immediate heritage to people across the globe; Series champion is, without a doubt, a thought is, well, gee, Georgia must be Whereas, over its 50-year history, the Cinderella story. The Bulldogs faced dominant in this situation as they are AAADT has performed for an estimated obstacles and hardships, and yet they a very dominant athletic team in the 21,000,000 people in 48 States and in 71 coun- country. But indeed, Fresno State tries on 6 continents; were able to overcome the odds to se- Whereas the AAADT has an extensive tour- cure the college national baseball fought to win two out of three of those games and I think deserve a tremen- ing record; championship. Whereas the AAADT’s signature work, Fresno State University is known for dous amount of credit, especially con- ‘‘Revelations’’, has been seen by more people the quality education that it has pro- sidering the year that they had gone across the globe than any other work of vided since its founding in 1911. For 97 through. dance; years, the students of Fresno State, in- This is an excellent school, and some- Whereas the AAADT performs works by cluding its student athletes, have illus- times outside actions cause us to look both emerging and established choreographers from throughout the United trated the university’s commitment to at other things. And looking at the academics at Fresno State, which in- States and the world; excellence in education. Now, Fresno Whereas the AAADT’s home in New York State will also be known for its excel- clude a broad array of offices and serv- ices, including over 50 academic de- City, the Joan Weill Center for Dance, is the lence in our national pastime. largest facility dedicated exclusively to The Bulldogs’ triumph has high- partments, eight colleges, a Henry dance in the United States; lighted the quality athletic programs Madden Library, the Division for Grad- Whereas Alvin Ailey, founder of the of Fresno State. The Bulldogs’ baseball uate Studies, the Division of Con- AAADT, received the United Nations Peace team is the only team in NCAA history tinuing and Global Education and doz- Medal in 1982; to win a championship with a regular ens of centers and institutes, all these Whereas President George W. Bush recog- are designed to support the central nized the AAADT and Artistic Director Ju- season record of 47 wins and 31 losses. dith Jamison with the National Medal of Additionally, the Bulldogs spent over academic mission of the university, that of creating an environment of en- Arts in 2001, making the AAADT the first 40 long days away from home during dance company to be honored with this their trek towards becoming the Col- gaged, student-centered learning. And award; lege World Series champions. they I think deserve to be congratu- Whereas the AAADT has performed for The achievement of the Fresno State lated for the academic side of what United States Presidents throughout the baseball team is not just an accom- they’re doing, as well as their great company’s 50-year history, including in 1968 plishment that can be celebrated by victory in the NCAA baseball tour- for President Johnson, at the inaugural gala nament this year. in 1977 for President Carter, at the inaugural Fresno State University, but by all gala in 1993 for President Clinton, and at the residents of California’s Central Valley I congratulate them. I yield back the balance of my time. state dinner honoring President Mwai Kibaki and by all fans of America’s favorite Mr. BISHOP of New York. I yield of Kenya in 2003; pastime. back the balance of my time. Whereas, over the years, the AAADT has The Bulldogs captured baseball fans’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The represented American culture with perform- hearts as college baseball fever spread ances at such historic events as the Rio de question is on the motion offered by Janeiro International Arts Festival in 1963, Fresno State’s colors of cardinal and the gentleman from New York (Mr. blue across the Central Valley and the the first Negro Arts Festival in Dakar, Sen- BISHOP) that the House suspend the egal, in 1966, the fabled New Year’s Eve per- Nation, making this College World Se- rules and agree to the resolution, H. formance for the Crown Prince of Morocco in ries the most watched of all time ac- Res. 1327, as amended. 1978, the Paris Centennial performance at cording to ESPN. Radio fans tuned in The question was taken; and (two- the Grand Palais Theatre in 1989, two un- to local Central Valley radio station, thirds being in the affirmative) the precedented engagements in South Africa in KMJ 580, to listen to the game. rules were suspended and the resolu- 1997 and 1998, the 1996 and 2002 Olympic My family and I were among those tion, as amended, was agreed to. games, the 2005 ‘‘Stars of the White Nights’’ huddled around our TVs, hanging on A motion to reconsider was laid on festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the 2006 Les e´te´s de la danse de Paris festival in every pitch, e-mailing the results to the table. our son King who was away at camp. Paris, France; f Whereas the AAADT annually provides Perhaps next year, when the Bulldogs MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT more than 100,000 young people from diverse are playing for back-to-back champion- cultural, social, and economic backgrounds ships, we will listen to that game on A message in writing from the Presi- the opportunity to explore their creative po- the radio. dent of the United States was commu- tential and build their self-esteem through

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