Earl Blumenauer: “I am pleased to welcome this morning the University of Portland Women's Soccer Team to our Capitol and congratulate them…”

“I am pleased to welcome this morning the University of Portland Women's Soccer Team to our Capitol and congratulate them for their undefeated season, winning the 2005 NCAA Champion Division I Title, their second championship in 4 years. Even the team's dedicated fans have set a new NCAA attendance record for any soccer season, men or women. I want to congratulate University President, Father Bill Beauchamp, Head Coach Garrett Smith, and the entire university community as the Pilots carried on the legacy of the late legendary coach Clive Charles. Most of all, I congratulate these women whose combination of athletic and academic excellence is an inspiration for young people everywhere, especially today's young women. There is much to celebrate ``Up on the Bluff.'' The women's soccer team is a great example of excellence at the University of Portland. I welcome them to the Capitol and their White House ceremony later today. ____________________”