| For immediate release December 15, 2009 |
Contact: Erin Donar
202-225-3611
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| Kildee Introduces Congressional Resolution Congratulating Mark Ingram on Heisman Win | ||||
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dale E. Kildee has introduced H.Res. 970, congratulating Flint native and University of Alabama running back Mark Ingram for winning the 2009 Heisman Trophy. Congressman Kildee was joined by his colleagues Artur Davis (D-AL) and Spencer Bachus (R-AL) in introducing the resolution. The Heisman is considered the most prestigious award in college football, and is awarded annually to the sport’s most outstanding player. Ingram won the award over Toby Gerhart of Stanford by only 28 points in the closest finish in the 75 year history of the Heisman. “I join the people of Flint in taking great pride in Mark Ingram’s exceptional performance on the field, his dedication to academic excellence and his distinction as the most outstanding player in college football. The Heisman is awarded to the player ‘whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity,’ and Mark Ingram has proven that he is well-deserving of this honor. That is why I have asked my colleagues to join me in introducing this resolution congratulating him on this achievement. Congratulations Mark, you have made your hometown extremely proud,” said Congressman Kildee. Mayor Dayne Walling said: "The Heisman Trophy is college's most prestigious athletic award. I, along with the entire Flint community, am extremely proud to have the opportunity to watch this young Flint native reach this level of success as a college athlete. Flint has a rich history of athletic excellence. Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Jr. is the latest in a long line of accomplished athletes this community has produced. We know this is only the beginning of many great things to come for this talented young man." Ingram is a third generation Flint native, with his parents, Mark Ingram Sr., Shonda Ingram, as well as his grandparents, Art and Barbara Johnson, all longtime members of the community. Ingram attended Grand Blanc Community High School and Flint Southwestern Academy, where he distinguished himself as a running back and corner back. In high school, he was honored with the Saginaw Valley MVP award, named Area Player of the Year, and was an All-State selection. This season, Ingram broke the University of Alabama single season rushing record with 1,542 yards, was named the SEC offensive player of the year, scored 18 total touchdowns and finished the season with 322 receiving yards. He led his team to the South Eastern Conference (SEC) championship, rushing113 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the championship game. He is the first Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Alabama and only the third sophomore in history to win the Heisman Trophy. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Ingram is a Dean’s List student at the University of Alabama, where he is pursuing a degree in communications. His win brings tremendous pride to the city of Flint, Michigan and fans of University of Alabama football. |
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