Honoring the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University from Bowling Green, Kentucky, for winning the 2002 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA football championship.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, with Western Kentucky University's recent success on the basketball court and the Hilltoppers' first NCAA championship on the football field in 2002, Kentucky is now home to yet another top-ranked college sports program. I am proud to have Western Kentucky University in my district.

We were not in session on December 20 when Western Kentucky won its first Division I-AA football championship, but I wanted to take this opportunity in this session of Congress to acknowledge the team's achievements.

The 15th ranked Hilltoppers defeated top-ranked McNeese State 34-14 in the championship game. Western brought their best game to the playoffs and the championship, defeating the three highest ranked teams on their way to taking the title.

Just as they had all season, the Toppers again relied on their tough defense and strong running game. Jon Frazier rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 1,537 yards and moving him into second place in Western's running records. The defense combined for three interceptions and a sack, holding McNeese State below its season scoring average.

In his 14th year at Western Kentucky, Coach Jack Harbaugh saw his and the team's hard work finally pay off. Coach Harbaugh has been committed to the Western football program and has built a successful program that the University, the Bowling Green community and the State should be proud of.

After starting the season with a 2-3 record, including a loss to McNeese State, the Hilltoppers relied on their teamwork and dedication to win 10 straight games, finishing the season with the national championship.

Mr. Speaker, I join Western Kentucky University and all of Bowling Green in congratulating the Hilltopper football team on its national championship season.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 17) honoring the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University from Bowling Green, Kentucky, for winning the 2002 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA football championship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 17.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Res. 17 honoring the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University from Bowling Green, Kentucky for winning the 2002 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA football championship.

I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis), for sponsoring this resolution and congratulate the gentleman for the success this school has had from his district and for his opportunity to represent them in Washington, D.C.

Today the House has recognized the outstanding athletic accomplishment of our Nation's young people. These championships are a testament to the spirit of athletic competition; and, frankly, they are enormous fun to watch. I congratulate all of the athletes and schools who have participated in collegiate athletics, and express my specific congratulations to Western Kentucky University.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 17 congratulating the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky for winning the 2002 Division I-AA national football championship. It is quite an achievement to win a national championship at any college level, and this championship is even more noteworthy due to the fact that it is Western Kentucky's first national championship since 1913.

Student athletes split their time between their athletic and academic pursuits. The student athletes that make up this year's national championship Hilltoppers' team must be commended because they did such a good job for their dual pursuit. I want to especially congratulate them for all their hard work, and also extend my hardy congratulations to head coach Jack Harbaugh for a great season and great win.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.