Gilbert Gutknecht: “I rise tonight to honor the Winona State University Warriors. They won the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball National…”

“I rise tonight to honor the Winona State University Warriors. They won the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship last weekend. Winona State is famous for many things, but this historic win is the first major championship for Winona State and a milestone for WSU athletics. On behalf of basketball fans across southern Minnesota, I congratulate the players, coaches, fans and everyone who helped make this season so special. Permit me to congratulate Coach Mike Leaf and his staff on an outstanding season. His squad finished with a record of 34-2, winning 22 consecutive games to close out the year. Coach Leaf was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's Coach of the Year for his efforts. The warriors, like all champions, won as a team, but they were led by a couple of outstanding players. David Zellman, a senior from Lewiston, Minnesota, ended his college career in style. He led the team in scoring with 26 points in the championship game, including seven three- point baskets. Sophomore John Smith of Johnsburg, Illinois, led the Warriors defensively and was named the NCAA Division II Elite Eight Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. I congratulate family, friends, and fans of the team. Two busloads of Warrior supporters made the 22-hour trip to the championship game and cheered the team on to victory. They were joined by hundreds of other Warrior fans, alumni and family members of the Warrior athletes who made their own way to the game.…”