Fightin’ Blue Hens honored in Dover

Head Coach K.C. Keeler accepts a Delaware General Assembly resolution signed by Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner congratulating members of the Figthin’ Blue Hens football team on winning the NCAA I-AA national championship.

3:04 p.m., Jan. 26, 2004--During the 2003 season, the 15-1 University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens had one of the best seasons in college football history and set a school record for victories in a season.

Loyal UD football fans and friends also know that their favorite team ended up as the 2003 NCAA Division I-AA national champions. Thanks to state legislators and the governor, recognition of the Fightin’ Blue Hens as national champions also has legal status in the First State.

Passed by the 142nd Delaware General Assembly and signed by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner on Wednesday, Jan. 21, the title of House Joint Resolution No. 17 is: “Congratulating the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens Football Team on Winning its First Division I-AA National Championship and Thanking Them For A Spectacular and Memorable 2003 Football Season.”

The bill is now law and will be included in the journal of legislation passed during the 142nd Delaware General Assembly.

In honoring the Blue Hens, head coach K.C. Keeler and members of his team were asked to introduce themselves, giving their name, number, position and hometown, in both the house and senate chambers.

Coach Keeler and the Fightin’ Blue Hens also were hosted by Minner at Woodburn, the official governor’s residence in Dover.

A celebration honoring the national champion Fightin’ Blue Hens will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center. For more information, visit [http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2004/champscel012304.html].

Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photo by Duane Perry

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