April 5, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3197 and North Carolina have one of the Head coach Bruce Weber and his through two promotions. He now serves most legendary rivalries in the nation. Illini should know there is nothing to as senior policy adviser, covering agri- That being said, I truly have been be- be disappointed about. As much as I culture, conservation, rural develop- hind this team—I even wore Carolina would have enjoyed seeing the Illini ment, energy and the Idaho National blue to several events in North Caro- conclude their remarkable run with an Laboratory, natural resources and pub- lina last week to show my support! NCAA championship, there is no doubt- lic lands, defense as well as serving as On Monday night, the Tar Heels de- ing what the Illini have accomplished. the staff director of the Agriculture feated the Illinois Fighting Illini 75–70 The team tied an NCAA record with 37 Subcommittee on Forestry, Conserva- in a remarkable display of teamwork victories. They made the first cham- tion and Rural Revitalization. Arlen and talent. Led by the performance of pionship game appearance in the was instrumental in the work that I Raymond Felton and Sean May, the school’s 100-year basketball history. have done regarding the conservation Tar Heels played strong basketball on They won regular-season and con- title in the 2002 farm bill and shep- both ends of the court. They were able ference tournament Big 10 champion- herding the historic Healthy Forest to make critical baskets when the ships and were ranked first overall in Restoration Act through Congress. game was on the line and played tena- the Associated Press poll since early in While Arlen’s family hails from the cious defense that stifled their oppo- the season. Burley area in my home State of Idaho, nent. With this victory, this year’s Tar If I could pick one word to describe he lived in many areas due to his fa- Heel team has solidified its place in the Illini this season, it would be ther’s work with the U.S. Air Force. He college basketball history alongside ‘‘team.’’ Rarely has a group of young attended high school and college in Carolina greats such as Michael Jordan men worked together as well as the Utah, graduating with a political and James Worthy. Illini has. After Illinois defeated Louis- science degree from the University of Roy Williams, who returned to his ville 72 to 57 on Saturday evening, Lou- Utah. He is definitely a Westerner at home state and alma mater just two isville head coach Rick Pitino said, ‘‘I heart and his work for me has bene- years ago, earned his first title and don’t know if they necessarily had the fited many in Idaho. demonstrated once again why he is one greatest talent I’ve seen from a Final On a personal note, Arlen was great of the best coaches in college basket- Four, but they’re the best team I’ve to work with. He is decisive, insightful ball. Under his leadership, this group of seen in some time.’’ and innovative. His easy-going person- talented young men developed into The Illini are the ultimate team, and ality and sense of humor permeated all truly great players with heart and de- that is the ultimate compliment to that he did in his public service for the termination. coach Weber and his players. people of Idaho and the United States. The Tar Heels’ Sean May was named Every man on the floor was capable He provided a certain spark to my of- most outstanding player in the Final of leading the team to victory, whether Four for his dominant scoring and re- fice. In fact, he sparked so much with it was guards Dee Brown, Luther Head bounding. Sean finished an incredible another LA that they will be getting or Deron Williams, or forwards James season with 26 points and 10 rebounds married this summer and Arlen and Augustine or Roger Powell. Yet Illinois against Illinois. Staci have my best wishes for a long, This year started with great expecta- plays within head coach Bruce Weber’s happy life together. tions as the Tar Heels were picked as system and doesn’t allow ego, personal I am excited by Arlen’s new chal- the pre-season #1 team by Sports Illus- statistical goals, or anything else to lenge at USDA and know he is well up trated. However, in recent years, such disrupt their teamwork. to the task. Although I won’t have the impressive rankings were not always Unfortunately, they came up short same opportunity to work with him on the case. Seniors on this Tar Heel team against North Carolina. But the State a daily basis, I look forward to our new faced great adversity early in their ca- of Illinois is proud of their Illini. An working relationship and Arlen’s con- reers as they fought to overcome a dis- orange hue has been cast across the tinuing successes. His extensive knowl- appointing 8–20 season their freshman State as Illinoisans got behind the edge of agriculture, natural resources year. Still, these players were deter- team for their NCAA tournament run. and other policy issues will serve Arlen mined to work hard to become a better So many people have enjoyed this tour- well in his new capacity. team. And did they ever. Just 4 years nament and they won’t soon forget f where they were when the Illini later, these young men completed an ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS incredible turnaround and are now able shocked Arizona, or when Roger Powell to call themselves national champions. slam-dunked the rebound from his own Today is a proud day for Coach Wil- three-point shot against Louisville. LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANTONIO I would like to congratulate B. Jo- liams, his terrific players and the state R. BAINES seph White, who became the Univer- of North Carolina. College basketball is ∑ a special tradition for so many North sity’s 16th president on January 31 of Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I Carolinians. It is a pastime shared this year, and the administration, fac- rise today to pay tribute to an excep- from generation to generation and ulty, staff, student body, and fans of tional officer in the United States amongst neighbors and friends. It’s the University of Illinois on making it Army, Lieutenant Colonel Antonio R. what so many folks chat about at the to the championship game of the 2005 Baines, upon his retirement after more grocery store, before class, over dinner, NCAA tournament. than 20 years of distinguished service. and after church. We are so proud of To the coaches, Illini players, and Throughout his career, Colonel Baines the North Carolina Tar Heels’ accom- their families, thanks for the memo- has personified the Army values of plishments this season and delighted ries. Thanks for showing us what team- duty, integrity, and selfless service that they gave us yet another memory work is all about. across the many missions the Army to talk about for years to come. f provides in defense of our Nation. As a I yield the floor. Congressional Legislative Liaison Offi- HONORING ARLEN LANCASTER cer in the office of the Secretary of the f Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise Army, many of us on Capitol Hill have UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MEN’S today to honor a longtime staff mem- enjoyed the opportunity to work with BASKETBALL SEASON ber who is moving onto a new and ex- Lieutenant Colonel Baines on a wide Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, Monday citing work challenge. Arlen Lancaster variety of Army issues and programs, night in Saint Louis a dream season has been a valued member of my staff and it is my privilege to recognize his came to an end. The University of Illi- since the start of my first term in the many accomplishments. I commend his nois was defeated for only the second Senate in 1999. He is leaving my staff superb service to the United States time this season as they fell to the to become the Deputy Assistant Sec- Army and this great Nation. University of North Carolina Tar retary for Congressional Relations at Lieutenant Colonel Antonio R. Heels. But as painful as the loss was, it the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Baines, the son of Mr. Albert and Yo- does not detract from a remarkable Arlen joined my staff as a legislative landa Baines of Jonesboro, GA, at- season. correspondent and worked his way tended high school in Hephzibah, GA, VerDate Aug 04 2004 03:54 Apr 06, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05AP6.030 S05PT1.