Bill Nelson: “for anyone who watched on national TV or was privileged to be there in Indianapolis to see the game, there is a profound…”

“for anyone who watched on national TV or was privileged to be there in Indianapolis to see the game, there is a profound respect that is now accorded to the University of Florida Gators basketball achievement of being the national champions. What teamwork. What individual accomplishment. But in that individual accomplishment, what teamwork. For all of that, certainly, a great deal of credit has to be given to the coach. Florida has long been known as a football powerhouse. But the basketball coach of the University of Florida has now made it, in athletic history, a basketball powerhouse. Floridians are celebrating this morning, as they have celebrated throughout the night, and with just occasion. The Florida Gators, coming in, were not at the top seed. Indeed, at the beginning of the season the Florida Gators were not even ranked. Yet this incredible talent, all melded together in extraordinary teamwork, has produced a national champion. This Senator joins with my colleague from Florida and we offer our heartiest congratulations. Later in the day we will be jointly offering a resolution. I yield the floor. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Florida.”