John Yarmuth: “In Louisville, we have a lot to be proud of--the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger, Muhammad Ali--and now the NCAA…”

“In Louisville, we have a lot to be proud of--the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger, Muhammad Ali--and now the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Champion Bellarmine Knights. Led by Coach Scott Davenport, the Knights finished their regular season with 24 wins, won their second consecutive conference title, and stormed through the NCAA tournament to bring home the university's first national championship. The Knights corralled Mustangs and tamed Mavericks. And on Saturday, led by all-tourney players Jeremy Kendle and Justin Benedetti, Chris Dowe's 16 points, Luke Sprague's double- double, and clutch free throws from Hobbs and Holmes, the Knights grounded a Jet and sent the Seasiders packing. The Knights are true student athletes who overcame injuries and adversity bound together by trust--trust in their abilities and trust in each other. And let's not forget the trust and support of the fans who traveled by the busload nearly 900 miles to cheer on their Knights. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in congratulating Coach Davenport, the team, and the entire Bellarmine community on its 2011 NCAA national championship. This was a victory that made history--and on behalf of everyone in Louisville, we're proud to call the Knights our hometown heroes and national champions. ____________________”