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Washington, DC --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) introduced legislation today in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team for their record-breaking season and their outstanding achievements off the basketball court.
The New Jersey lawmaker's resolution, which is expected to be considered on the House floor later this week, commends the achievements of the Rutgers University women's basketball team and honors their character and integrity.
Pallone's legislation comes on the heels of derogatory comments made about the student-athletes by radio personality Don Imus. The New Jersey lawmaker said he introduced the legislation to honor the team because he felt that Imus' comments deprived the young women of fully enjoying their accomplishments.
After losing four of their first six games, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights women's basketball team finished their extraordinary 2006-2007 season with a 27-9 record. The young team fought through improbable odds and went on to compete in the first ever NCAA tournament title game in school history.
"The Lady Scarlet Knights basketball players are excellent representatives of Rutgers University and of the state of New Jersey and should be honored for their hard work, dedication and heart," Pallone said. "These young women are striving to reach lifetime goals both on and off the basketball court. They are great role models for student-athletes across the nation and I am hopeful Congress will recognize these fine women by passing this resolution."
The text of the Resolution follows:
Whereas under head coach C. Vivian Stringer the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights women’s
basketball team finished their extraordinary 2006-2007 season with a 27-9 record;
Whereas after losing four of their first six games the Lady Knights refused to give up and spent
their Winter Break in the gym honing their skills and working to become a better team for the rest the season;6300 C:\TEMP\PALLON~1.XML HOLCPC
Whereas on March 6, 2007, Rutgers upset top-seeded University of Connecticut for their first-
ever Big East Championship title;
Whereas the young women displayed great talent in their run to the Final Four of the women’s
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament;
Whereas five freshmen played an integral role in the team’s march to the championship game;
Whereas the Lady Knights showed enormous composure with tournament wins against teams
playing in their home States;
Whereas through hard work and determination this young team fought through improbable
odds to reach the NCAA title game;
Whereas the team was just the 3rd number 4 seed in history to reach the championship;
Whereas the Lady Knights made school history as the first athletic team from Rutgers to play
for any national championship;
Whereas during those 3 weeks, the Scarlet Knights brought excitement to the NCAA
tournament and captured the hearts of basketball fans throughout New Jersey and
across the Nation;
Whereas Rutgers students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along with countless New Jerseyans are
immensely proud of what the team accomplished this past season;
Whereas the members of the team are excellent representatives of Rutgers University and of
the State of New Jersey;
Whereas these young women are outstanding individuals who are striving to reach lifetime
goals both on and off the basketball court;
Whereas the Lady Knights epitomize the term student-athlete with a combined B+ grade point
average;
Whereas by excelling in academics, music, and community service, Katie Adams, Matee
Ajavon, Essence Carson, Dee Dee Jernigan, Rashidat Junaid, Myia McCurdy,
Epiphanny Prince, Judith Brittany Ray, Kia Vaughn, and Heather Zurich are great role
models for young women across the Nation; and
Whereas the Lady Knights embody integrity, leadership and class:
Now therefore be it Resolved That the House of Representatives
(1) Commends the amazing performance of Rutgers University women’s basketball team in the NCAA tournament; and
(2) Expresses its admiration for the achievements and character of this team of remarkable young women |
