Lawmakers praise UConn teams

It was Husky Day at the Capitol today, and House Speaker Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, led his chamber in a cheer.

"We're the House," Donovan said. "We're a crowd."

"U-C-O-N-N," the state representatives shouted, illustrating the letters using their hands.

The UConn women's basketball team, the men's basketball team and the football team were all subject to the cheer, but it was only the women's team -- national champions -- that got two cheers. At Donovan's urging, House members also chanted, "U-S-A," for coach Geno Auriemma, who will be coaching the 2012 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team.

Rep. Mary Fritz, D-Wallingford, introduced members of the UConn women's team and its coaching staff. Fritz described Auriemma as having "perfect hair" and as the coach "who was always grabbing someone."

Representing Republicans was Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, of Somers, who said the UConn women should feel right at home in the House chamber. She proceeded to relate the chamber to the basketball court, saying that the state representatives assist each other and sometimes must apply a full-court press. There is also a scoreboard, she said, pointing to the screen that displays House votes.

The House was not the only group to congratulate the three UConn teams for great seasons Thursday. The teams also appeared before the Senate, and Sen. Thomas Gaffey, D-Meriden, introduced some of the members of the men's basketball team.

Missing the trip to Hartford Thursday was men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun, who had a difference of opinion with a few state lawmakers earlier this year. The reason for his absence was unknown.