Spring Break
White House honors champions
BRAD BOSTWICK
Issue date: 6/21/07 Section: Sports
The University of Georgia men's tennis and women's gymnastics teams were in Washington D.C. Monday in honor of their 2007 NCAA Championship titles along with 26 other NCAA Champions.
President George W. Bush addressed all the teams in attendance as their captains stood behind the president. Later the Bulldogs were able to meet the president and speak with him person-ally as well as take group photos with him.
For tennis captain Matic Omerzel, meeting the president was the highlight of the trip. "Exchanging words with (President) Bush was the most memorable part of my trip."
Omerzel, a senior from Kranj, Slovenia, played a significant role for the Bulldogs all season.
"It is an honor to be invited to the White House. Everyone wanted to go," Omerzel said. "Georgia is the best program you can find. This is the cherry on the top for my career here."
The two teams landed around 10:30 a.m. and took a bus tour that included many historical landmarks as well as presidential and war memorials. The teams were treated to lunch at the Caucus Room where they were addressed by University President Michael Adams and Athletic Director Damon Evans.
Although the two Bulldog squads were among 28 other teams, tennis head coach Manny Diaz felt that the team received presidential treatment.
"We felt as if we were the pick of the litter," Diaz said.
The teams then toured the White House and relaxed in the Blue Room until their time to meet the President.
The University fight song accompanied the Bulldogs as they walked down the stairs to the South Lawn where President Bush arrived in the Marine 1 helicopter.
The president then gave a congratulatory speech to all the teams despite feeling under the weather.
Gymnastics coach Jay Clark was in awe of the president's entrance.
"Seeing the landing in person really makes you appreciate the magnitude of the presidential office whether you agree or disagree with its politics."
The teams flew back to Athens Monday night with a sense of accomplishment. This was coach Diaz's first trip to the White House even though he has won three national championships as head coach while at Georgia. "This was a great opportunity and it will be cherished. I would like to go back as soon as possible," said Diaz.
Omerzel reiterated that sentiment. "This is something every athlete wants to experience."
President George W. Bush addressed all the teams in attendance as their captains stood behind the president. Later the Bulldogs were able to meet the president and speak with him person-ally as well as take group photos with him.
For tennis captain Matic Omerzel, meeting the president was the highlight of the trip. "Exchanging words with (President) Bush was the most memorable part of my trip."
Omerzel, a senior from Kranj, Slovenia, played a significant role for the Bulldogs all season.
"It is an honor to be invited to the White House. Everyone wanted to go," Omerzel said. "Georgia is the best program you can find. This is the cherry on the top for my career here."
The two teams landed around 10:30 a.m. and took a bus tour that included many historical landmarks as well as presidential and war memorials. The teams were treated to lunch at the Caucus Room where they were addressed by University President Michael Adams and Athletic Director Damon Evans.
Although the two Bulldog squads were among 28 other teams, tennis head coach Manny Diaz felt that the team received presidential treatment.
"We felt as if we were the pick of the litter," Diaz said.
The teams then toured the White House and relaxed in the Blue Room until their time to meet the President.
The University fight song accompanied the Bulldogs as they walked down the stairs to the South Lawn where President Bush arrived in the Marine 1 helicopter.
The president then gave a congratulatory speech to all the teams despite feeling under the weather.
Gymnastics coach Jay Clark was in awe of the president's entrance.
"Seeing the landing in person really makes you appreciate the magnitude of the presidential office whether you agree or disagree with its politics."
The teams flew back to Athens Monday night with a sense of accomplishment. This was coach Diaz's first trip to the White House even though he has won three national championships as head coach while at Georgia. "This was a great opportunity and it will be cherished. I would like to go back as soon as possible," said Diaz.
Omerzel reiterated that sentiment. "This is something every athlete wants to experience."
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