Remarks to the
The President. Well, thank you all,
and please be seated. Not you. [Laughter] I don't think there's room for that.
Well, thank you all very much. And you know, there was
a bit of confusion around here earlier this week. It seems that when I told
somebody to expect the Hurricanes on Friday some of the White House staffers battened
down the storm doors and ordered up emergency reserves of jellybeans.
[Laughter] And I had to explain that I wasn't talking about tropical storms,
that I'd invited the best college football team in
Jimmy,
I just couldn't wait to have you champs come to the White House here to offer
you much-deserved praise for the skill, determination, and winning spirit that
you've demonstrated this season. And from the looks of a few of your other fans
gathered here in the East Room, I'm not the only one impressed, not by a long
shot. The whole country honors you today, and I'm pleased to have this
opportunity to add my congratulations.
Of
course, it's never easy. Yet with Steve Walsh, a sophomore quarterback who
completed 18 of 30 passes for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns, and did it against a
defense which only gave 7\1/2\ points per game all season, you had the odds on
your side. Steve, of course you know better than anyone how important the help
of running back Melvin Bratton and flanker Michael Irvin was. [Laughter] Each
of them caught a touchdown pass in the big game. And the Orange Bowl might have
come out a little differently without Greg Cox, who kicked a 56- and a 48-yard fieldgoal. And congratulations, Greg, on setting the Orange
Bowl record with that 56-yard kick. You know, I kind of feel that if I could
just kick some of the spending bills coming across my desk -- [laughter] -- I'd
set a few fieldgoal records myself.
Actually,
I might just ask Bernard Clark, the Hurricanes' most valuable player, to stand
outside the Oval Office and tackle those spending bills. Those 14 tackles that
you made in this Orange Bowl are truly impressive and something to be proud of.
I ought to know, because I don't know if you're aware of this, but I played
football when I was in college. And I had about 14 tackles in my whole 4 years.
[Laughter] I'm kidding. I'm sure it was at least 16. [Laughter]
Seriously,
I'd like to take a moment to recognize some other sportsmen: Coach Barry
Switzer and the Oklahoma Sooners. They may have lost
the game, but they had a winning season and accomplished it with a lot of
class. The mark of a great sportsman is grace in defeat, and Coach Switzer
exemplifies this. As he said after the game: ``The
best team won.'' Well, of course, let me congratulate all of you for having
grace in victory, which is also important and not as easy as some people think.
As a matter of fact, Knute Rockne
once told his team that it really is this thing about being a good loser --
it's easier to be a good loser and smile and take it than it is to be a good
winner and do it with dignity and grace.
So,
the best team did win. So, congratulations, champs.
And the Miami Hurricanes are number one! Good luck,
and God bless you.
Mr.
Foote. Mr. President, my name is Tad Foote, and I'm the president of this
university, and I express our deep appreciation and our honor at this invitation.
May I present just a few of my colleagues, please, sir.
First
of all, the chairman of our board of trustees, Jim McLamore,
whom you know, sir -- he is also the founder of Burger King, you have met
before, and one of the leading Republicans in our part of the United States, as
you know -- [laughter] -- our outstanding director of athletics, Mr. Sam Jankovich, standing right next to you, who is presenting
you with a ball that has been signed by the Hurricanes; our outstanding coach,
Jimmy Johnson, to my right, Mr. President; and his staff. This is the best
coaching staff in the
The President. That would be typical
-- when I was playing, I was usually outsized. [Laughter]
Mr.
Foote. This has been a great football team, Mr. President. We are extremely
proud of the Hurricanes. They've won with class on and off the field. We are
deeply appreciative.
May
I take this opportunity, please, sir, to wish you the very best during your
last year in office; and on behalf of our university, these young men, and all
of us, to thank you for your service to the
Our coach, Jimmy Johnson, Mr. President.
Mr.
Johnson. This has to be
The President. I am honored.
Mr.
Johnson. From the number one national champions, we give this jersey to our
number one, President Reagan.
The President. Well, thank you all
very much. I don't know whether I'm going to be able to get everybody -- a
handshake with everybody here or not, but --
Michael
Irvin. Please shake my hand. [Laughter]
Note: The President
spoke at