Bob Dole: “once again, the 1995-96 basketball season has shown the Nation that when it comes to basketball, the State of Kansas is…”

“once again, the 1995-96 basketball season has shown the Nation that when it comes to basketball, the State of Kansas is head and shoulders above the rest. I would like to congratulate the University of Kansas men's and women's basketball teams for once again making it to the NCAA tournament, and I would like to congratulate Kansas State University on their season and entry into the NCAA tournament. While both of these schools had great seasons, the year belongs to Coach Gary Garner and the Fort Hays State Men's Basketball Team for their outstanding 1995-96 season, which they capped off by winning the NCAA II Men's National Basketball Championship. Their effort is certainly one that all Kansans can be proud of. The Tigers of Fort Hays State completed a 34 to 0 season this year by defeating Northern Kentucky University 70 to 63 in the championship game. En route to their championship victory and outstanding season, the Tigers entered elite company, by becoming the third unbeaten team to win the tournament in NCAA II History. Fort Hays State finished the season ranked No. 1 and currently holds the Nation's longest winning streak. This has been an amazing season for Coach Garner and his team. I am proud to recognize their effort, and I look forward to next season, when the State of Kansas will once again make its presence known to the basketball world.”