WASHINGTON, July 23 (UPI) -- President Obama saluted the Louisville Cardinals Tuesday for winning the NCAA men's basketball title, and for their charity work and academic prowess as well.
The Cardinals made the traditional trek that sports champions make to the White House and were welcomed by the president, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and members of the commonwealth's congressional delegation, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Obama jokingly congratulated the team for working together and remaining focused "on one singular goal, and that is to bust my bracket."
Obama singled out Coach Rick Pitino and various players before praising the squad for compiling a collective 3.3 grade-point average and taking part in charitable fundraisers and visits to hospitalized children.
"That's the kind of resilience and strong spirit that this team has had," the president said. "They didn't just show it on the court; they showed it in the classroom and in the community."
