Skip to main content
Image
Photo of the U.S. Capitol dome

Remarks on Resolution Honoring Clemson Tiger Men’s Golf Team

September 10, 2003

Tigers won the 2003 National Collegiate Golf Championship

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) made the following remarks on the House Floor regarding H. Res. 266, a resolution commending the Clemson University Tigers men's golf team for winning the 2003 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Golf Championship."Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 266. I would like to thank my hard-working colleague, the gentleman from South Carolina, Mr. Barrett, for bringing this resolution forward. Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes the achievement of the Clemson University men's golf team, the Tigers," said Congressman Wilson."The National Championship Tigers deserve recognition for winning the title by just two shots over host school Oklahoma State University, after starting the day just one stroke apart. Clemson finished with a 72-hole team total of 1,191, 39 strokes over par. The Championship Tigers will enter the 2003-2004 season with a streak of 18 consecutive top three finishes, a Clemson record. In addition to inspiring the team victory, three players distinguished themselves from the field by being named to the All-American Team. Coach Larry Penley was named National Coach of the Year by the Golf Coaches Association and was the first Clemson coach in any sport to win a National Coach of the Year in over 10 years. The distinction earned by these individuals and the remarkable repeat victories of the team reflect the dedication of each player, the leadership of coach Larry Penley, and the support of family, friends, and fans. "I extend my congratulations to each of the hard-working players on the successful Tiger team, to Coach Penley, President Jim Barker, and to student body president, Fletcher Anderson, and all the students at Clemson University. I am happy to join my colleagues in honoring the accomplishments of this team and to wish them continued success."I would like to pause briefly now to relay the news I learned this morning of the death of a real institution in South Carolina. According to the Associated Press, Jim Phillips, ‘whose voice carried the dreams and disappointments of Clemson fans for 36 years,' died yesterday at age 69. Jim Phillips, ‘the Voice of the Tigers,' did the play-by-play for Clemson football, baseball, and men's and women's basketball. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. "I ask my colleagues to support this resolution, and I particularly am happy to be presenting this today in that my family has an association with Clemson University. My son is a senior, Julian, who has been an intern here in Congress. I am very proud of his association following the footsteps of his late grandfather, Julian Dusenbury, who was a Clemson graduate. I am also very pleased that the Communications Director of the Second District Congressional Office, Wesley Denton, is a Clemson graduate, and also the Health Care Legislative Assistant, Micki Howard. In conclusion, God bless our troops," said Congressman Wilson.###https://www.clemson.eduhttps://clemsontigers.ocsn.com/sports/m-golf/clem-m-golf-body.html