Wilson Congratulates USC Gamecocks on Winning College World Series
July 20, 2010
Wilson's Resolution Congratulating Baseball Team Passes House
Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today thanked his colleagues for formally congratulating the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on winning the College World Series by passing House Resolution 1491 by a vote of 400-6, with 2 voting present. A video of Wilson's speech on the House floor in support of the resolution and the USC baseball team can be found here.
Excerpts from Wilson's floor speech:
"It is with great gratitude that I rise today in support of House Resolution 1491 to formally congratulate the University of South Carolina's baseball team for an impressive success at the College World Series. Today's resolution, endorsed by all six members of the South Carolina delegation, to congratulate the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on winning the 2010 NCAA Division I College World Series, is particularly special to me as I am able to honor my alma mater and that of my mother and father and many of the Second Congressional District Staff.
The journey to this point hasn't been the easiest for the Gamecocks and history has not been on our side as this is the first time in the school's history that the baseball team earned this great achievement despite going to the College World Series nine times. During the NCAA tournament, the team faced an opening loss to Oklahoma and as a result, had to do the unthinkable: win four consecutive games that included back to back wins against in-state rival Clemson University. The last stop on the journey was UCLA - a highly respected and talented team in the championship series. The Gamecocks had impressive consecutive victories over the Bruins to finish the season with a 54-16 overall record and earn the title of College World Series National Champions!
I am extremely proud of the way these student athletes represented our University and our great state. None of this would have been possible without USC's coach Ray Tanner, whose leadership and determination has led to over 600 victories, 11 consecutive post season appearances, and now a national title for the Gamecocks. Tanner's coaching success is complimented by Associate Head Coach Chad Holbrook, and Assistant Coach Mark Calvi."
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