Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the men's basketball team of Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota. The Eagles are the 2010 National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament champions.  The players and coaches of the Northwestern men's basketball team worked diligently throughout the season--ultimately finishing with a 22-7 record, and winning 18 of their last 19 games. They earned this championship title through much hard work and determination. This is their first NCCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, and they have made their fans, their university, and the state of Minnesota proud.

The odds were against the Eagles from the start of the tournament.  They were ranked number six out of eight teams, and Northwestern was one of only two Division III universities competing for the title. The team members and coaches were aware of their apparent disadvantage, but they worked their hardest to prove their skeptics wrong.  The championship game was a close competition between Northwestern and their opponent, King College, which was ranked number one in the tournament. Both teams played admirably, but the Eagles' stellar offense and solid defense propelled them to victory over King College.  The dedication and strength of character this team has shown are an inspiration to persevere even in the face of defeat.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the players and coaches of the men's basketball team of Northwestern College, whose talent and perseverance led them to the 2010 NCCAA Division I championship.