UNSPOKEN ODE

THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD is the official record of the proceedings of the U.S. Congress. On March 29, 1977, 40 years ago this month, it included a speech by Rep. Henry S. Reuss (D-Wis.) on the subject of “A Championship for Marquette and Al McGuire.” I know this because I was a press aide in Reuss’ office that year, and I wrote the speech. Reuss never actually spoke these words – they were printed in a section of the record called “Extensions of Remarks,” in which members of Congress submit material on matters related – or not – to Congressional business. In honor of the 1977 championship’s anniversary, and the hoopla surrounding it, I dug up excerpts from this official (if sappy) document, found in the Central Library:

“My Milwaukee office reports that Wisconsin Avenue ... was jammed last night with celebrators for the three miles between 16th Street and Lake Michigan. One staffer says that she was hugged... by total strangers...

“For all the shouting and press fireworks, there is a real sense of love on Mr. McGuire’s teams, and a feeling that the youngsters who come to Marquette... draw real guidance and purpose from their years with him.

“For all the winning, and all the brilliant strategy of Mr. McGuire’s games – I direct my colleagues’ attention to the way he handled the vaunted Carolina fourcorner offense – he is above all an excellent teacher, and an excellent example to young men who strive to be best.” recipes like brown ale and butternut squash mac and cheese, from chef Terri Milligan. examine Puerto Rican and Caribbean (and American) issues of race, class and identity. For this show, she’s promised to incorporate empty liquor bottles acquired while