Congratulating the Hamilton College Continentals on winning the NCAA Division III women's lacrosse championship.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1259) congratulating the Hamilton College Continentals on winning the NCAA Division III women's lacrosse championship, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1259 into the Record.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hamilton College Continentals women's lacrosse team for their victory in the 2008 NCAA Division III tournament.

On May 18, Hamilton College Continentals women's lacrosse team celebrated their NCAA Division III championship title after defeating the Franklin & Marshall College Diplomats 13-6 in Salem, Virginia.

This was the first NCAA championship title for not only the woman's lacrosse team but also for Hamilton College. However, amidst the recognition of this single moment, the individuals that constituted this significant occasion should be the main focus of praise. Each individual's hard work and dedication in the course of the entire season should be noted and celebrated.

First, I want to recognize Nicole Tetreault, class of 2008. As a result of her outstanding performances throughout the season, she has received numerous awards and recognitions including 2008 Liberty League Player of the Year, 2008 NCAA Division III All-Tournament team, First Team All-America for the second consecutive year, and 2008 ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-America Women's At-Large Team. Furthermore, Tetreault was granted the honor of Academic All-American, a recognition given to exceptional athletes who also demonstrate academic excellence. Tetreault has proven to be an admirable role model to students and athletes alike.

Additionally, I want to extend my congratulations to head Coach Patty Kloidt who has propelled Hamilton College's women's lacrosse program forward ever since she assumed the position 6 years ago. Kloidt rightfully received the NCAA Division III Women's Lacrosse title Coach of the Year. Moreover, Kloidt and her assistant coaches, Amanda Nobis and Mackay Rippey, were named the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year in 2008. They are an excellent representation of outstanding leadership.

The Hamilton College women's lacrosse team made many more accomplishments apart from the ones already mentioned. Four of the women Continentals won All-American awards and six were selected to the All-Region team. They had an impeccable season with a record of 21-1, winning 19 straight games. And I'm sure their lacrosse program will only move forward with many victories in years to come.

It is very rare that a team is granted with an exceptional coaching staff and athletic ability. Yet it takes tremendous leadership and teamwork for potential to be fully realized and for any team to perform at their best. Again, I do not only congratulate the Continentals for their championship title, but the exceptional individuals that made the victory possible. These athletes and coaching staff are truly an outstanding model for any group to refer to, whether it is athletics, academics, or politics as an example of cooperation, tenacity, and excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I once again congratulate the Hamilton College Continental women's lacrosse team 2008 NCAA Division III championship title.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Before I close, let me congratulate Mr. Castle on the success of his alma mater.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1259, congratulating the Hamilton College Continentals on winning the NCAA's women's lacrosse championship.

On May 18, 2008, the Hamilton College Continentals women's lacrosse team captured the NCAA Division III championship and completed the very best season in the team's 29-year history. The 13-6 victory over the Franklin & Marshall Diplomats secured Hamilton's first national title in any sport.

The Continentals entered the weekend as the number four-ranked team in Division III but knocked off number one Salisbury University 11-10 on Saturday before they defeated the defending champion and third- ranked Diplomats. Hamilton also avenged a 14-13 loss to Franklin & Marshall suffered in Florida on March 19. The loss was the lone blemish on the Continentals' 2008 record. The Continentals completed the 2008 season with a remarkable 21-1 record and won 19 straight games, which is the longest winning streak in Division III women's lacrosse.

Four Continentals earned All-American awards this year. Six players were selected to the All-Region team, and nine players were selected to the All-League team. The Continentals are truly shining examples of the products of hard work and commitment, and they have inspired and brought pride to their community as well as their loved ones and the students and alumni of Hamilton College.

Head Coach Patty Kloidt also merits recognition and praise for guiding the Continentals to their championship win. Coach Kloidt and her staff were named the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year in 2008. Coach Kloidt was also named the NCAA Division III women's lacrosse coach of the year.

While the accomplishment of capturing a national athletic title deserves our recognition today, we should also take a moment to reflect on Hamilton's commitment to academics. Hamilton is a liberal arts college with an emphasis on individualized instruction and independent research and is a national leader in teaching effective writing and persuasive speaking. Founded in 1973 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, it is the third oldest college established in New York State. Hamilton's curriculum provides its highly motivated students with both the freedom and responsibility to make educational choices that emphasize breadth and depth. In short, Hamilton College is the finest college in the United States.

I graduated from there 40-some years ago.

Through independent projects, The Senior Program, and summer internships with faculty, Hamilton provides an increasing number of opportunities for students to engage in significant--often publishable--research at the undergraduate level.

I am happy to join my colleagues in honoring Hamilton for its many achievements. I extend my congratulations to Hamilton's President Joan Stewart, Athletics Director Jon Hind, Head Coach Patty Kloidt and her staff, the players, the fans and to Hamilton College.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I'm prepared to yield back my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1259, to congratulate the Hamilton College Lady Continentals on their NCAA Division III women's lacrosse championship.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here today and represent such a talented group of athletes in New York's 24th Congressional District. The Hamilton Continentals this year completed the best season in the college's 29-year women's lacrosse history, and are the first team at the college to ever reach the national semifinals in any NCAA championship.

This truly phenomenal team has demonstrated passion and commitment to their sport, racking up an impressive 21-1 record this year and creating the longest winning streak in Division III women's lacrosse. This group of 20 athletes knows the true meaning of teamwork, while also proving that they are each formidable opponents on the field through their impressive individual records.

Ten Hamilton players have garnered an amazing total of 11 All-America awards throughout their college careers. This year alone, four Continentals won All-America awards this year, six players were selected to the all-region team, and nine players were selected to the all-league team.

Hamilton College, located in Clinton, NY, is a nationally-recognized liberal arts college that consistently ranks in the top 20 liberal arts institutions across the Nation. The college receives applications from around the country and around the world, contributing to a student body with diverse interests and talents with a great potential for achievement and innovation. Given the college's commitment and the dedication of their students, there is no doubt that it will continue its centuries-long tradition of excellence in scholastics and, now, athletics.

The accomplishments of the Hamilton Lady Continentals cannot be applauded without commending the efforts of their coaching staff. Head Coach Patty Kloidt, and assistants Amanda Nobis and Mackay Rippey, have guided the Lady Continentals to victory this year. This nurturing and inspiring coaching team was named the 2008 Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year, and Head Coach Patty Kloidt was recently named 2008 NCAA Division III Coach of the Year by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association. On behalf of my colleagues in Washington and in my district, I wish to congratulate this team on their success and recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to support this resolution congratulating the Hamilton College Lady Continentals women's lacrosse team, and to support them in their future endeavors as they continue to inspire athletes across the country.

Madam Speaker, due to Georgia's primary elections, I was absent from the House of Monday, July 14, and Tuesday, July 15, and missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present I would have voted in the following manner: H. Res. 1067--``Yes''; H. Res. 1080--``Yes''; H. Con. Res. 297--``Yes''; H. Res. 1259--``Yes''; H. Res. 1323--``Yes''; Passage, Objections of the President Notwithstanding, of H.R. 6331-- ``Yes''; Motion To Refer Kucinich Privileged Resolution--Yes; H.R. 5803--``Yes''; and H. Res. 1090--``Yes.''