Recognition of Pat Richter-Hon Tammy Baldwin

RECOGNITION OF PAT RICHTER-HON. TAMMY BALDWIN (Extensions of Remarks - March 26, 2004)

HON. TAMMY BALDWIN
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2004

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pat Richter and his incredible career as Athletic Director for the University of Wisconsin. After over fourteen years in that position, he is retiring on April 1, 2004.

Pat Richter played basketball, football, and baseball during his college days at the University of Wisconsin, lettering three times in each. He also went on to a professional career in football, but it is his legacy as Athletic Director that will carry on for years to come. Badger fans will always be grateful for his successful efforts in turning around an athletic department that faced financial difficulties, out of date stadiums, and waning fan support. Today, the University of Wisconsin boasts an athletic program that has attained nationwide acclaim for success and innovation both in athletics and academics.

Under Pat Richter's watch, the University of Wisconsin has built modern athletic facilities, including the Kohl Center, University Ridge Golf Course, the Fetzer Academic Learning Center, and the Goodman Softball Diamond. The University has also renovated the McClimon Track/Soccer Complex, and recently began renovation of Camp Randall Stadium. Badger fans will be able to enjoy these facilities for generations to come.

I am most proud of Pat Richter's efforts toward equality in the athletic department. In his fourteen year tenure, the University of Wisconsin has added three women's sports-softball, lightweight crew, and hockey. The University of Wisconsin now has a policy that strives to have a percentage of female athletes proportionate to the overall female population of students on campus.

The success of Wisconsin athletics under Pat Richter has been phenomenal. The Badgers have won three national championships-men's hockey in 1989-90, men's rowing in 1989-90 and men's soccer in 1995-and a remarkable 49 Big Ten Championships. The football team has won three Rose Bowl games. The women's basketball teams have played in six NCAA tournaments, while the men's basketball team recently played in their seventh NCAA tournament in eight years, a remarkable run that also includes a trip to the Final Four by the 2000 team.

Mr. Speaker, I join all of Wisconsin in recognizing Pat Richter's achievements as Athletic Director and we wish him much success.