HONORING COACH CEAL BARRY-HON. MARK UDALL (Extensions of Remarks - March 24, 2004)
HON. MARK UDALL
OF COLORADO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2004
Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Coach Ceal Barry of the University of Colorado Women's Basketball Team. On February 24, 2004, in a decisive 75-56 victory over Kansas, Coach Ceal Barry distinguished herself and her team as one of the highest placed coaches in Division I history-winning her 500th game.
This is Coach Barry's 21st season with the University of Colorado. The mainstream popularity of women's basketball has
certainly grown over the past couple of decades. But those of us who are fans of women's basketball have long known that when folks talk about the game, they are more often than not talking about Ceal Barry's Lady Buffs.
A generation of female athletes has grown up admiring the CU women's basketball team. The success of the Lady Buffs has served as an inspiration and a source of pride for athletes throughout Colorado. With Coach Barry at the helm, the Buffs have secured four league titles and five conference tournament wins. Her Lady Buffs have made 10 appearances in the NCAA tournament, five trips to the Sweet 16 and three journeys to the Elite Eight.
Coach Barry demands that her players develop strength of character both on and off the court. She certainly walks her talk in this regard. Her players consistently meet high academic standards that can be held up against any program in college sports. It is a testament to this expectation that in all of the years that Barry has coached at CU, all but one player who stayed until her senior year has graduated. She builds her players up by setting high expectations and tolerating nothing less. She has said that she holds the belief that "people build confidence through results," meaning you not only get strong to prepare for success, but that it is only through success that you ultimately believe in your strength.
I have had the opportunity to know Coach Barry through the years and certainly consider Ceal to be a friend. Not long ago, I was partnered with Ceal against another twosome in a round of golf. I can honestly say that I have first hand knowledge of the motivating power that this fierce competitor inspires. Suffice it to say, I quickly fell in line with the obvious if not stated expectation that I bring my best possible game. And this was a "friendly" round of golf.
So I congratulate you, Ceal, on your 500th win, but I cannot say that I am surprised. Your talent, vision and leadership are undeniable. You and your Lady Buffs are a source of pride for women's basketball, for CU and for all of Colorado.
Colorado salutes you. Well done, coach. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Coach Ceal Barry on this laudable achievement. I wish you continued success in the future.