NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The state Capitol was awash in orange Wednesday as lawmakers honored the Lady Vols basketball team for winning the 2007 NCAA National Championship.
Coach Pat Summitt, University of Tennessee President John Petersen and most of the Lady Vols team were greeted by legislators with applause and whistles to be honored with orange roses and a lengthy resolution detailing the season's highlights.
"Any time I've been able to come into this room and be recognized, it gives me chills," Summitt said.
The Lady Vols beat Rutgers 59-46 on April 3 in Cleveland to claim the national title.
Summitt and Petersen came to the House decked out in orange blazers reminiscent of men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl's favorite attire. A few legislators wore orange ties and House Minority Leader Jason Mumpower wore bright orange pants for the occasion.
The Lady Vols signed autographs before returning to Knoxville with Petersen to study for exams. Tournament MVP Candace Parker did not travel with the team because of illness.
House Speaker Pro Tem Lois DeBerry, D-Memphis, announced that at the University of Tennessee "the men are men and the women are national champions."
Summitt replied: "I love your enthusiasm. I may want to sign you up. Do you have any eligibility left?"
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