WASHINGTON, D.C. — An empty podium engraved with the Presidential Seal stood in front of six American flags waving in the breeze Monday on the White House’s South Lawn.
With the Washington Monument standing prominently in the sky, about 650 student-athletes gathered in anticipation of the arrival of President Barack Obama. Once Obama took the stage, he had the athletes’ complete attention as seemingly all of them moved toward the stage and raised cameras to capture the event.
During the ceremony, members of the 2009 Penn State U. women’s volleyball team, along with about 30 other 2009-10 NCAA championship teams, were honored by Obama for their athletic accolades.
While the players, coaches and staff were there for their athletic achievements, Obama said he was proud of the passion they had for their respective sports.
“You woke up early, you put in countless hours of practice for the love of the game and for the pride of your school,” Obama told the athletes. “You rode those buses and you carried those bags because you knew what it was going to take to be the best, because every one of you has a competitive streak that’s about a mile wide.”
Obama spoke about the importance of collegiate athletes not only competing, but also giving back to the community.
Kelsey Ream, a senior on last year’s Penn State team, and current Nittany Lion sophomore setter Kristin Carpenter both said Obama’s message was useful.
Carpenter, a Richmond, Va., native, said Monday was a whole new experience for her.
“I’ve been to x-amount of field trips here and seen it all,” Carpenter said before pointing to the White House. “But it doesn’t get any better than this.”
Senior defensive specialist Cathy Quilico said Monday was her first time in the nation’s capital. The Thousand Oaks, Calif., native said she made sure to take a lot of pictures — not only for herself, but for her mother.
Quilico and the other Penn State players also got a chance to do something else they don’t typically do around Happy Valley — wear their championship rings.
“The ring’s insanely cool and amazing, but it’s heavy and really flashy,” Quilico said. “It’s celebrating last year’s team, which is cool to wear to things like this. But when we’re walking around campus, it’s [about] this year’s team.”
Penn State Director of Athletics Tim Curley, who was also in attendance, said Monday’s event was a great opportunity for the athletes to represent the school. The Lions’ men’s and women’s fencing teams were also in attendance.
“I think it’s wonderful that he would take the time to give them the recognition that he has today,” Curley said. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for our student athletes.”
Following Obama’s speech, which lasted about five minutes, athletes and coaches lined up to shake the president’s hand. Members of Congress, including Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, also mingled with the champions.
While many of the athletes were excited to greet the president, Obama spoke in high regard of their accomplishments in his speech, too.
“You’re always going to know what it means to compete and what it means to be a champion,” Obama said. “That’s something that nobody will ever be able to take away from you, and that is something that you should be extraordinarily proud of.”