Rick Allen: “Today I congratulate the James Madison University Football team for winning the 2004 NCAA Division I-AA football…”

“Today I congratulate the James Madison University Football team for winning the 2004 NCAA Division I-AA football championship with a 31 to 21 victory over the Montana Grizzlies. This resolution expresses congratulations of the Senate these outstanding young men. As a former collegiate athlete and an avid football fan, I want to express the pride felt by all students, faculty and alumni of James Madison University at this tremendous accomplishment by the football team. Head Coach Mickey Matthews and his superb coaching staff deserve much of the credit for the accomplishment of these student athletes and should also be highly commended. The James Madison University Dukes Football team fought to a 10 to 7 halftime lead on the strength of tailback Maurice Fenner's 1-yard touchdown and kicker David Rabil's 28-yard field goal. The Dukes went on to win the game with an outstanding second half performance, rushing for 257 and outscoring the Montana Grizzlies 31 to 21. The American Football Coaches Association has named Coach Matthews the 2004 Division I-AA National Coach of the Year for his performance in the Dukes' championship season.”