Recognizing the National Park College Nighthawks

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my hometown National Park College Nighthawks on winning the 2024 NJCAA Division II Basketball National Championship. After achieving a perfect 26-0 regular season record, the Nighthawks claimed the crown this year in Danville, Illinois. On his way to achieving greatness, head coach Dillon Hargrove was also named the NJCAA Region 2 Coach of the Year.

Nighthawk Taylor Harrell was named the tournament's Pin Ryan Most Valuable Player. The sophomore center had 50 points, 35 rebounds, and 2 blocks throughout the tournament including a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds in the semifinals and 22 points and 8 rebounds in the championship game. I also want to recognize the coaches and staff who helped bring this championship back home to the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas: Dillon Hargrove (Head Coach), Drake Henderson (Assistant Coach), Timothy Webb (Assistant Coach), Rich Thompson (Athletic Director), Mark Oliver (Sports Information Director). And the players who worked hard to achieve this great accomplishment: Hunter Burke, Siddiq Canty, Keryn Collins, Will Dykes, Taylor Harrell, Ja'Bryant Hill, Them Koang, Madison Peaster, Anthony Swift, Colen Thompson, Brody Tucker, Mondo Watkins, Nakavieon White, Chris Crew, Alveon Harris, and Tavarius Vinson.

Having been a college athlete myself, I have a deep-rooted appreciation for competitive team sports. One of the three key pillars my staff and I follow is ``compete to win.'' The NPC Nighthawks have done just that.

Mr. Speaker, this team has made Hot Springs and the state of Arkansas unbelievably proud, and I am honored to recognize and congratulate them today. These young men will forever be remembered in the history of Arkansas sports. I yield back.

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