University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Championship Teams Recognized At White House
July 12, 2005 | Bruin Athletics
July 12, 2005
Washington, DC - The NCAA champion UCLA men's water polo, women's water polo and men's tennis teams were honored Tuesday afternoon by President George W. Bush in the largest gathering of NCAA champions ever at the White House. The Bruin teams were three of 15 welcomed at the South Lawn.
The Bruins were the first to be acknowledged by the President.
"UCLA has won more NCAA championships than any school in the nation, so it's fitting that three of the champs here today wear the uniform of the Bruins," said President Bush.
"Back in December, the UCLA men's water polo team won the national championship with an overtime victory against Stanford. Congratulations, and welcome," he continued. "This spring, the UCLA women's water polo team beat Stanford to win the national championship. Welcome to the UCLA women's polo team. And finally, the UCLA men's (tennis) team won the national championship. I had an honor to meet all three teams. I'm glad you're here. Thanks for coming. Congratulations on a job well done."
The water polo teams presented President Bush with a personalized swimming robe for him and First Lady Laura Bush, and the men's tennis team gave President Bush a personalized tennis warm-up. Presenting the President with the gifts were Joseph Axelrad (men's water polo), Nicolette Grams (women's water polo) and Alberto Francis (men's tennis).
To view the President's remarks, click HERE.
