Congratulating the Grand Valley State University Lakers football team for winning the 2003 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Football National Championship.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 498, to honor the players, coaches, and staff of the Grand Valley State University football team, which won its second consecutive NCAA Division II national championship on December 13, 2003.

Rising to the top of one's field of endeavor, whatever that endeavor is, is an accomplishment worthy of praise in and of itself. However, repeating that accomplishment is an even more difficult achievement. When you attempt to maintain that top spot, everyone else has you in their sights. You are the focus of their efforts to wrest the trophy from your grasp. That is what makes the achievements of the 2003 Lakers football squad all the more impressive.

Coach Brian Kelly and his staff led their squad of young men through a difficult nonconference and conference schedule, then marched through the playoffs to face the University of North Dakota in the NCAA Division II championship game, a game they lost to the University of North Dakota just 2 years previously.

This time, the Lakers, led by All-American selections Scott Mackey, Keyonta Marshall, David Hendrix, Michael Tennessee and Lucius Hawkins,

defeated the Fighting Sioux 10 to 3, to complete what arguably could be called the most successful 3-year run for a college football team in the State of Michigan. GVSU has rolled up a 41-2 record in three seasons, reaching the national championship game each year and winning the championship twice.

Congratulations to the players, the coaches and staff, the students and the faculty of Grand Valley State University. This jewel of a school, with campuses in Allendale in the district of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra), and Grand Rapids in my district, is a wonderful institution, not only for its athletic achievements, but also for its academic pursuits. Its contributions to the West Michigan community are too many and too far-reaching to enumerate here today, but we commend University President Mark Murray and the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees for providing stellar leadership for this wonderful public institution.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of February 3, 2004, and as the designee of the majority leader, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 498) congratulating the Grand Valley State University Lakers football team for winning the 2003 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Football National Championship, and ask for its immediate consideration.

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. 498.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Grand Valley State University Lakers football team who, on December 3, 2003, defended their NCAA Division II national football championship by defeating the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux 10 to 3.

The 2003 national champions fought through the playoffs with a tight defense that limited its final three playoff opponents to a field goal each. The title match-up was a close, dramatic contest that pitted the 14 and 1 GVSU Lakers against the 12 and 2 Fighting Sioux. Ultimately, the Lakers emerged victorious after intercepting North Dakota in the shadow of their own end zone with 20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, spoiling a last-minute, come-from-behind attempt.

Grand Valley State picked up its 240th win in school history with a victory over the Fighting Sioux. Before a national audience, Grand Valley State University avenged its heartbreaking 17-14 loss to the same Fighting Sioux in the 2001 title match-up.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the students, alumni, faculty, and nearly 5,000 fans of Grand Valley State who trekked to Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Alabama, to cheer on their Lakers during a cold and rain-soaked afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, I will include for the Record the full roster of this national championship team and their coaching staff.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at any time on Wednesday February 4, 2004, for the majority leader or his designee to call up the following resolutions: H. Res. 493, H. Res. 496, H. Res. 497, H. Res. 498, H. Res. 511, H. Res. 512, and H. Con. Res. 355; and each resolution be considered as read and the previous question be considered as ordered on each resolution to final adoption without intervening motion except (1) 1 hour of debate and (2) one motion to recommit.