WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today delivered a speech on the Senate floor congratulating the Wichita State University Shockers Mens Basketball Team for winning the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship.

The following is the prepared text of the Senator’s remarks:

“I rise today to congratulate the Wichita State University Shockers on winning the 2011 Men’s National Invitation Tournament Championship in New York City. In claiming the championship trophy, Wichita State set the school record with 29 victories in a season.

“Wichita State advanced to the NIT Championship with four-straight wins in the tournament. The Shockers beat the University of Nebraska in the first round, Virginia Tech in the second, College of Charleston in the quarterfinals, Washington State University in the semifinal and finally the University of Alabama in the championship game. Graham Hatch was named the NIT Most Outstanding Player and a member of the All-Tournament Team while Garrett Stutz also was named to the All-Tournament Team.

“Wichita State and Head Coach Gregg Marshall were not only successful on the court but in the classroom as well. Earlier this year, Graham Hatch and Garrett Stutz were named to the 2011 Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete first-and honorable mention-teams, respectively.

“I rise today to congratulate the Wichita State University Shockers, Head Coach Gregg Marshall, Athletic Director Eric Sexton, WSU President Don Beggs. Specifically, I want to congratulate each member of the team for an exemplary season: Gabe Blair, Derek Brown, J.T. Durley, Aaron Ellis, Jerome Hamilton, Graham Hatch, Trey Jones, David Kyles, Toure Murry, Ehimen Orukpe, Joe Ragland, Tyler Richardson, Ben Smith, Garrett Stutz, Randall Vautravers, Josh Walker and Demetric Williams. And congratulations to all Shocker basketball fans. Wu’ Shock.”

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