398 Mar. 12 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1995

State and local officials are working around I want to thank this team and this coach the clock to rescue victims and fight the not only for winning the national champion- floods. And the American Red Cross is pro- ship—that’s obviously a great honor—but for viding food, comfort, and shelter to those in the way that it was won and the character need. Most importantly, the thousands of vol- and teamwork and spirit that Coach Osborne unteers in communities throughout Califor- has always displayed and that this team dis- nia are all working together in this difficult played. I think it inspired people all across time. This community spirit is truly the best the country who are fans of athletics, and America has to offer. I think even people who are not great football Hillary and I send our thoughts and pray- fans or particularly knowledgeable about all ers to the families of those who have lost the details, who read about the Nebraska their lives. The thoughts and prayers of the team, who saw not only that you had three American people are with them as well. All-Americans but three Academic All-Amer- icans, and who have followed the work of Tom Osborne over the years. It inspired Remarks Honoring the 1994 them all to believe in the value of teamwork NCAA Football Champion and sacrifice and discipline, and certainly you Nebraska Cornhuskers were rewarded in ways that were well justi- March 13, 1995 fied. I’d also like to say, I asked Coach Osborne Please be seated. Welcome to the White on the way out if this was the largest football House on this beautiful morning. I am de- team ever to win a national championship, lighted to welcome all of the members of the and he said, ‘‘Yes, but they’re good students, national championship Nebraska Cornhusk- too.’’ I liked it because I felt this is the only— ers here, along with Chancellor Spanier, your when those three guys walked out with me, athletic director Bill Byrne, and of course, this is the only football team in America that Coach Osborne and all the players. I wel- could make me look like a ballerina. [Laugh- come the Nebraska congressional delegation: ter] I liked it. Senator Exon, Senator Kerrey, and Rep- So I welcome you here. I honor your resentatives Barrett, Bereuter, and achievement. We’re delighted to have the Christensen. I do want to say a special word players here. And I’d like to ask Coach of regret, too, that Bob Devaney couldn’t be Osborne to take the microphone now. here today, but we all wish him a very speedy Coach? recovery. I have been, since I was a very small boy, NOTE: The President spoke at 11:51 a.m. on the an ardent college football fan. I know that South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, Coach Osborne’s record alone justifies a na- he referred to Graham Spanier, chancellor, and tional championship, an 820 percent winning Bob Devaney, athletic director emeritus, Univer- percentage. Most of us would like to have sity of Nebraska. Following the President’s re- that here. [Laughter] Cornhuskers have been marks, Coach Thomas Osborne made brief re- to a bowl game in each of his 22 years, and marks, and the team presented the President with as I said when I called him the night Ne- a team jersey and an autographed football. braska won, nobody deserves it more. I want to congratulate your three first team All-Americans, linebacker Ed Stewart, tackle Remarks to the National League of Zach Wiegert, and guard Brenden Stai, and Cities also your three first-team Academic All- March 13, 1995 Americans, tackle Terry Connealy, tight end Matt Shaw, and the Academic All-American Thank you very much, Carolyn, for that of the Year, who I just understood has never warm introduction. And thank you, ladies made a B, Rob Zatechka. We could give him and gentlemen, for the wonderful welcome a job here at the White House. It’s sort of you have given me. I’m glad to be here on like praying for pro football. this podium with all your officers, including

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