BOYDA RECOGNIZES KU'S HISTORIC SEASON AND THE LEGACY OF LATE ATHLETE OTTO SCHNELLBACHER

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today considered H.Res. 948, congratulating the University of Kansas football team for winning the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl and having the most successful year in program history.

The resolution was authored by Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District), who issued the following statement:

"Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.Res. 948, which honors the University of Kansas football program on their recent victory at the Orange Bowl and their most successful year in program history.

"On January 3rd, the KU football team won the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl, marking their first major bowl victory in university history. Leading up to the bowl game, the team placed 12 wins on their roster, setting a new school record for wins in a season. KU also reached the number two spot of the AP national poll, which marked the highest national ranking that the program has ever received.

"Among their athletic accomplishments this season, the team also produced three students who received All-American titles for their performances on the field and two other students who were Academic All-American recipients. Head Coach Mark Mangino also received multiple national Coach of the Year honors.

"Please join me in recognizing these accomplishments and congratulating KU on their amazing victories this season."

Congresswoman Boyda also issued the following statement on the late Otto Schnellbacher, a former KU football player who passed away this morning after a battle with cancer:

"Otto Schnellbacher was the All-American who, in 1948, led KU to its very first Orange Bowl appearance. He was the wide receiver whose 58 career catches stood as a KU record for almost three decades. As a professional athlete, he played in both the National Football League and the National Basketball Association.

"Otto was a giant of Kansas athletics, and he was a good friend. He leaves behind many admirers and a legacy that will last forever."

H.Res. 948 is expected to come to a vote in the House later this week. The full text is available at http://thomas.loc.gov/.