Northwestern University Athletics
National Champion Wildcats Visit Washington, D.C.
11/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Nov. 12, 2008
Washington D.C. Trip Photo Gallery
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After capturing their fourth-straight national championship in May, the Wildcat women's lacrosse team spent the day Wednesday in our nation's capital, having the opportunity to meet President George W. Bush as well as attend a taping of ESPN's popular show Pardon the Interruption.
The `Cats were one of nine teams honored at the NCAA Day of Champions, and began the morning with a tour of some select rooms of the White House. The team then gathered to meet President Bush and presented him with a framed, autographed Wildcat lacrosse jersey, personalized with the number 43 (Bush is the 43rd president). The president visited briefly with the team before joining them in a team photo.
Northwestern then proceeded to the South Lawn where it joined the remainder of the championship teams. President Bush gave his remarks about the individual teams, and of the Wildcats said "They finished 21-1. I must tell you, I was slightly disappointed when I came in the White House room there and looked at the feet of those women. I was looking for flip-flops. (Laughter.) Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller led you to the fourth straight national title over Penn, and here is what she said: 'I'm not going to call ourselves a dynasty, but if you want to, I'm okay with it.' Welcome back, a dynasty. Congratulations, ladies."
The president concluded his remarks by saying "We are glad you're here at the White House. I thank you for being good champions on the field. I thank you for being champs off the field. I'm proud you're here at this grand house of the people. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States."
Following the visit to the White House, the Wildcats attended a taping of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption, hosted by Northwestern alumnus Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser. The team even took part in the taping, appearing on camera near the end of the show. Following the taping, the team met the hosts and had the opportunity to take pictures with them on the set. Wilbon even dressed in purple and brought his Northwestern lacrosse stick to the set to honor the Wildcats.
