[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 58 (Friday, April 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE NIGHTHAWKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 5, 2024

  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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