Reps. Kooiman, Sak, Van Regenmorter, Pearce, Steil, Green, Huizenga, Hildenbrand, Vander Veen and Wenke offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 17.

            A resolution congratulating the Calvin College Men’s Cross Country Team on winning the 2004 Division III Men’s Cross Country National Championship.

Whereas, It is an honor and a privilege to extend our congratulations to Calvin College for the athletic and academic accomplishments of the Calvin College Men’s Cross Country team.  This team was led by Division III Cross Country co-coaches of the year Brian Diemer and Al Hoekstra, and assistant coach Robert Hyde. They greatly contributed to the winning of the 2004 Division III Men’s Cross Country National Championship; and

Whereas, We also recognize the talents and efforts of each of the members of this championship team for their participation in this momentous occasion: Joel Alberts, Kyle Carrick, Peter Clemo, Jeff Engbers, Tim Finnegan, David Haagsma, Ben Hammer, Aaron Iverson, Harrison Jorritsma, Jesse Kleinjan, Hendrik Kok, Josiah Leuenberger, Dan MacKay, Bill Reynolds, Paul Rollett, Todd Schuster, Andy Yazzie, and Tyler Zwagerman; and

Whereas, Much to the delight of their loyal fans, the 2004 Men’s Cross Country team captured, for the second year in a row, the NCAA Division III National Championship.  The incredible success of this team can be attributed to hard work, tremendous depth, great skill, a competitive attitude, and excellent coaching.  In the National Championships in Colfax, Wisconsin, the Knights placed an impressive thirty points ahead of its closest competitor. In addition to their outstanding performance in competition, these athletes have proven themselves in the classroom as well; and

Whereas, What separates good teams from a national championship winner is the hard work and training that occurs in practice, far removed from the excitement of the cross country meet.  Today, we admire the efforts, team spirit, and hard work these talented men have put forth in order to win the 2004 Division III Cross Country National Championship; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body congratulate the Calvin College Men’s Cross Country Team on winning the 2004 Division III Men’s Cross Country National Championship.  We admire their success on and off the course.