ICYMI: Denison University highlights Husted’s recognition of national championship teams in Washington

“Those who could make the trip toured the Capitol, watched Senate proceedings, and spoke at length with Husted.” WASHINGTON – Denison University highlighted Sen. Jon Husted’s (R-Ohio) recognition of the university’s four NCAA Division III national championship teams during their visit to Washington this week. The teams visited the White House, where they were honored by President Donald Trump, toured the U.S. Capitol, and watched Husted deliver a Senate floor speech celebrating their historic accomplishments. Denison University’s men’s baseball team, women’s basketball team, men’s swimming and diving team and men’s doubles tennis champions all captured NCAA Division III national titles during the 2025-26 academic year, marking one of the most successful years in the university’s athletic history. Key excerpts from the article include: “In a historic year, the Big Red captured four NCAA national championships — three team titles in baseball, women’s basketball, and men’s swimming and diving, and a fourth title from Kael Shah ’26 and Ethan Green ’26 in men’s tennis doubles.” . . . “This display of athletic prowess caught the attention of Ohio Sen. Jon Husted, himself a member of a Division III football championship team.” . . . “Earlier this summer, Husted invited all the players and Denison coaching staff from the three winning teams, as well as tennis doubles champions Shah and Green, to Washington. Women’s basketball coach Maureen Hirt and men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach Gregg Parini joined Deegan on the visit, along with members of their respective coaching staffs, about 50 student-athletes from all four sports, and some families.” . . . “Those who could make the trip toured the Capitol, watched Senate proceedings, and spoke at length with Husted. “In a surprise appointment added near their arrival date, Husted also arranged for the teams to be celebrated with a visit to the East Room of the White House, where they were congratulated by President Donald Trump.” . . . “Seated in the gallery above the Senate floor, the Denison delegation watched as Husted read into the Congressional Record an account of each team’s record and final triumphs.” . . . “Seamus McCann ’28, Brock Butchko ’28, and Ben Davis ’28 — teammates on the men’s swimming and diving team — said they were particularly struck by the personal nature of Husted’s invitation and itinerary.” . . . “After the formal Senate recognition, Husted met with the student-athletes, congratulating them again and fielding their questions about his days, and sometimes nights, full of marathon voting sessions and other Congressional responsibilities.” Read the full article here .