Martinez Congratulates Gator Football Team on 2006 National Championship
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 | Football
U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) joined his Senate colleague and fellow Florida Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) on Tuesday in issuing a resolution honoring the University of Florida Gators for becoming 2006 NCAA College Football National Champions. The Gators defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, 41-14, in the BCS National Championship Game played in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday night, Jan. 8, 2007.
Senator Martinez said of the Gators' victory:
"This impressive win reflects well on the University of Florida, and the entire state of Florida should be proud. This team, led by head coach Urban Meyer, played hard, smart football. They brought down the undefeated favorite with a creative offensive structure and dominating defense. Their outstanding accomplishment is something that even this Florida State Seminole can appreciate.
"University of Florida President, Dr. J. Bernard Machen, has much to celebrate, as does the University's athletics director, Jeremy Foley. Florida's 2006 SEC and NCAA championships are quite a feat, and will be remembered for a long time to come.
"Coach Meyer led a talented group of student-athletes to the pinnacle of their sport - what a tremendous accomplishment. Everyone in Gainesville and throughout the state should know how impressed we are here in the nation's capitol. Congratulations, Gators. Your hard work paid off. We commend you for a job well done."
It is worth noting that, in April of 2006, Senators Martinez and Nelson had the opportunity to honor the Florida men's basketball team for their first national championship; with this, the Gators' second national championship in football, the University of Florida has now become the first university to simultaneously possess both the men's basketball and football national championships.
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