Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
323150298
label
San Francisco 49's 2/3/89
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
323150298
contentType
document
title
San Francisco 49's 2/3/89
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13474-019
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Draft Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
323150298
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
abea49cc3aeeebe9
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13474
Folder ID Number:
13474-019
Folder Title:
San Francisco 49's 2/3/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
25
6
1
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 3, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE SUPERBOWL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The East Room
3:05 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome. Please be seated. Jack --
that's our Cabinet star, Jack Kemp. Did you all get a chance to see
him? Good.
Well, Danny DeBartolo and Coach Walsh and the staff and
all the players here from the 49ers, let me just say first
congratulations to all of you and welcome to the White House. This
victory last month of the 49ers as indisputably the world's champion
sets you up as that in every sense of the word. And with this, your
third Superbowl title in eight years, you rewrote the record books
and raised the game of football to a new level of excellence.
In divising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again
why he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever, and in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe, you once again
showed your grace under pressure. I guess we all wonder why did it
take so long -- (laughter) -- but nevertheless the country saw it.
And, Jerry Rice, what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there is a new TV series coming out based on your
Superbowl performance -- Miami Rice. (Laughter.) Available in every
city in the country except one -- (laughter) -- Cincinnati, that is.
(Laughter.)
And Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when
your team needed the tough yardage on the ground you turned to Roger
Craig. And in his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "gold rush,' and when he runs the football, the
chances are he is headed for paydirt.
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars
without also giving great credit to the defense. And during the
first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the defense
kept football. you in that ballgame with their cool, smart, hard-hitting
And speaking of tough times, in all of the hoopla
surrounding the Superbowl victory, most people have forgotten the
adversity that you overcame just to get there. But you never gave
up, you pulled together as a team, you came back step by step, game
by excellence. game, and you eliminated mistakes, never stopped striving for
- 2 -
and perhaps in other sports, as well. And I can tell you and the 49
players, I'm sure -- 49ers -- will agree, I am sure, that being good
in sports is not enough and to achieve excellence, you just have to
be educated for excellence. The main ingredient in each person's
success is individual initiative. It always has been and it always
will be. So I would say, if you're willing to work hard and make
sacrifices, you can accomplish just about anything you set your mind
to. And that's what the American dream is all about.
And, again, to all the 49ers, and to you, Coach Walsh,
and to all the 49ers -- my congratulations to you. And thanks for
setting a superb example for our country.
Thank you and God bless all of you. (Applause.)
MR. DEBARTOLO: Mr. President, it's a great honor being
here. And there's a few presentations that Coach Walsh and the
players want to make. I want to just make one announcement that we
did find out that your ring size is 11 and a half. And we're going
to give you the first ring that comes out of production because we
want you to be an honorary member of our team. And we're with a
thousand percent in everything you do. And God bless you and all
that you do and thank you, sir. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
MR. MONTANA: Thank you. Mr. President, first let me
congratulate you also on your victory. And secondly, I also would
like, on behalf of my teammates, say thank you for your hospitality
here this afternoon. It means a lot to all of us. Not very often do
I get to see many of these guys in ties. (Laughter.) And thirdly,
we'd like to present you with a little token of our appreciation,
little autographed balls and -- from the Superbowl, and say best of
luck to you. We wish you the best and thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, that's great. Thank you very
much.
MR. RICE: Mr. President, we're glad to be here. We'd
like to thank you for bringing us out into your wonderful home.
(Laughter.) You know, I looked forward to this day and I just hope
that we get an opportunity to come back next year and stand right
here before you. And on behalf of the San Francisco 49ers, I'd like
to present you with this ball and --
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much -- the real thing.
(Laughter.)
MR. RICE: That's the real thing from the Superbowl.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you so much.
Good luck to you. (Applause.)
COACH WALSH: Mr. President, we have also -- we know
you're a runner, so we have a running suit. I'm not sure we suggest
running the streets of Washington, D.C. in this suit. (Laughter.)
In fact, we're somewhat concerned we're sort of -- a little bit of
overkill here. Remember, the Redskin fans are all around us.
(Laughter.) But we do feel so proud to be part of this, to have won
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
02/02/89
----
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
(02/02 6:30 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
>
SUNUNU
i
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
>
FIRESTONE
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
1989 FEB -2 PM 7:12
(McIntyre)
February 2, 1989
6:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
EAST ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie DeBartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the world champions in every sense of the word.
With this, your third Super Bowl title in eight years, you
re-wrote the record books and raised the game of football to a
new level of excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice. 11 (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati (LL)
2
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ( (Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President.) ) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the first half, when
the offense was having a tough time, the defense kept you in the
game with their cool, smart, hard-hitting football.
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. But you never gave
up. You pulled together as a team. You came back, step-by-step,
game-by-game. You eliminated your mistakes and you never stopped
striving for excellence. There's a lesson in that for the
student body presidents and athletes with us today and that'
why I wanted you to share in this ceremony
3
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried. And to the young people here and
across the country, I'd like to remind you that what you achieve
in your life depends a lot on what you achieve in school during
the next few years. And if I could offer one piece of advice it
would be this: Strive for excellence in all things. Don't
accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with mediocrity might be the
easy way out, but striving for excellence is the only way up.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
And to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for
excellence.
So, hit the books every bit as hard as you play athletics.
Education is the key to opportunity. It will unlock doors that
otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative It always has been, and it always willibe
If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything That's what the American dream
is all about.
4
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/01/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11:00 A.M. Thursday
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
(02/01 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
4:00
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Winston
>
Firestone
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston (Rm. 122, x2930) by 11:00 a.m. on Thursday,
02/02, with an info copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
Sus
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
1989 FEB -1 PM 8:59
(McIntyre)
February 1, 1989
8 p.m.
Andience is
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
(MINA) UA)
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
high foot
Eddie Debartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
+ footbar
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and coaches.
welcome to the White House.
event is in East Room
( (You know, on the other side of the White House is the East
Room, the largest room in this magnificent building. Over the
years, it's been used for some extraordinary events. Mrs. Adams
used it to dry her laundry; Teddy Roosevelt held wrestling
exhibitions there. After this ceremony I thought we'd go over,
put on the pads, and scrimmage the White House press corps. (LL)
You guys are on my side.) ) (LL)
of 88 only!
Your victory last month established the 49ers
world Champions ton enery the as, word,
indisputably, the N.F.L.'s team of the 805 With this, your
third Super Bowl title in eight years, you re-wrote the record
books and raised the game of football to a new level of
excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice." (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President.)) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the Super Bowl the
49er defense played cool, smart, hard-hitting football. During
the first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the
defense kept you in the game.
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. At one point in
the season, you had six wins, five losses, and many of the
pundits were writing you off. ((I think they must have been the
same pundits who predicted the Democrats would win last fall's
election.)) (LL)
But you never gave up. You pulled together as a team. You
came back, step-by-step, game-by-game. You eliminated your
mistakes and you never stopped striving for excellence. There's
a lesson in that for the student-athletes with us today, and
that's why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried.
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce.
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years. And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
And, really, it doesn't matter what you decide to do with
your life as long as you're committed to being the best. If you
want to be a teacher, then be the best teacher you can be. If
you want to be an artist, then be the best artist you can be. If
you want to be a medical doctor, then be the best doctor you can
be.
As you go through life you will find that you don't always
succeed exactly the way you planned. You won't always win. You
won't always be number 1. But if you find joy in the effort,
then I guarantee you -- you will lead fulfilling lives. You will
be satisfied in the knowledge that you did your best.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
It's not enough to have fast feet if you have a slow mind. And
to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for excellence.
So hit the books every bit as hard as you hit your opponents
on the football field. Education is the key to opportunity. It
will unlock doors that otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
(opy to Pres
(McIntyre)
February 2, 1989
6:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
EAST ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie DeBartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the world champions in every sense of the word.
With this, your third Super Bowl title in eight years, you
re-wrote the record books and raised the game of football to a
new level of excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait SO long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice." (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
2
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush. " When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President. )) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the first half, when
the offense was having a tough time, the defense kept you in the
game with their cool, smart, hard-hitting football.
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. But you never gave
up. You pulled together as a team. You came back, step-by-step,
game-by-game. You eliminated your mistakes and you never stopped
striving for excellence. There's a lesson in that for the
student body presidents and athletes with us today, and that's
why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
3
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried. And to the young people here and
across the country, I'd like to remind you that what you achieve
in your life depends a lot on what you achieve in school during
the next few years. And if I could offer one piece of advice it
would be this: Strive for excellence in all things. Don't
accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with mediocrity might be the
easy way out, but striving for excellence is the only way up.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
And to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for
excellence.
So, hit the books every bit as hard as you play athletics.
Education is the key to opportunity. It will unlock doors that
otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
4
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
February 2, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO www.
C. DEAN MCGRATH, JR.
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Visit of the San Francisco
49ers
Counsel's office has reviewed the above-referenced Presidential
remarks, and we have no legal objection to their delivery. We
suggest, however, that it would be appropriate to include a
reference to the Cincinnati Bengals and their outstanding
achievement in reaching the Super Bowl. In addition, we believe
that the remarks may be somewhat lengthy for the occasion. We
have marked for your consideration suggested changes on the
attached copy of the proposed remarks.
Attachment
CC: James W. Cicconi
1989 FEB -! Pil 8: 59
(McIntyre)
February 1, 1989
8 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie Debartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
( (You know, on the other side of the White House is the East
Room, the largest room in this magnificent building. Over the
years, it/s been used for some extraordinary events. Mrs. Adams
used it to dry her laundry Teddy Roosevelt held wrestling
exhibitions there. After this ceremony I thought we'd go over
put on the pads, and scrimmage the White House press corps. (LL)
You guys are on my side. )) (LL)
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the N.F.L.'s team of the '80s. With this, your
third Super Bowl title in eight years, you re-wrote the record
books and raised the game of football to a new level of
excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
your record performance and MVP award are Fitting recognition
For the game's most Feared receiver. But playing hurt during
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been the
season
said?
I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
you
exhibite
your Super Bowl performance It's going to be called, "Miami
the
deter-
Rice. (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
Mina-
one Cincinnati. (LL)
tion
and commitment that
characterized the
49e- team.
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
Husker
I also want to single out Roger's running mate
fullback, Tom Rathman who does a lot of blocking Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President.) ) ) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the Super Bowl the
49er defense played cool, smart, hard-hitting football. During
the first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the
defense kept you in the game.
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. At one point in
the season, you had six wins, five losses, and many of the
pundits were writing you off. ( (I think they must have been the
same pundits who predicted the Democrats would win last fall's
election. )) (LL)
But you never gave up. You pulled together as a team. You
came back, step-by-step, game-by-game. You eliminated your
mistakes and you never stopped striving for excellence. There's
a lesson in that for the student-athletes with us today, and
that's why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
in school
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an examy there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried. And to the young people here
and across the country I'd like to remind you that
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years. And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
And, really, it doesn't matter what you decide to do with
your life as long as you're committed to being the bést. If you
want to be a teacher, then be the best teacher you can be. If
you want to be an artist, then be the best artist you can be. If
you want to be a medical doctor, then be the best doctor you can
be.
As you go through life you will find that you don't always
succeed exactly the way you planned. You won/t always win. You
won t always be number 1. But if you find joy in the effort,
then I guarantee you -- you will lead fulfilling lives. You will
be satisfied in the knowledge that you did your best.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
It's not enough to have fast feet if you have a slow mind. And
to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for excellence.
So hit the books every bit as hard as you hit your opponents
on the football field. Education is the key to opportunity. It
will unlock doors that otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
# # # #
(McIntyre)
February 2, 1989
6:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
EAST ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie DeBartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the world champions in every sense of the word.
With this, your third Super Bowl title in eight years, you
re-wrote the record books and raised the game of football to a
new level of excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice. (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
2
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President.) ) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the first half, when
the offense was having a tough time, the defense kept you in the
game with their cool, smart, hard-hitting football.
And speaking of/tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. But you never gave
up. You pulled together as a team. You came back, step-by-step,
game-by-game. You eliminated your mistakes and you never stopped
striving for excellence. There's a lesson in that for the
student body presidents and athletes with us today, and that's
why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
3
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying -for, an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried.
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce.
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years. And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
And to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for
excellence.
So, hit the books every bit as hard as you play athletics.
Education is the key to opportunity. It will unlock doors that
otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
4
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
,
(McIntyre)
February 2, 1989
4:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
DeBartalo,
EAST ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie Debartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the world champions in every sense of the word.
With this, your third Super Bowl title in eight years, you
re-wrote the record books and raised the game of football to a
new level of excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is:AWhy did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice. " (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President. )) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the first half, when
the offense was having a tough time, the defense kept you in the
game with their cool, smart, hard-hitting football.
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. But you never gave
up. You pulled together as a team. You came back, step-by-step,
game-by-game. You eliminated your mistakes and you never stopped
striving for excellence. There's a lesson in that for the
coaches
student body presidents and athletes with us today, and that's
why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried.
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce.
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
And to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for
excellence.
so, hit the books every bit as hard as you play athletics.
Education is the key to opportunity. It will unlock doors that
otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
Document No. master
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/01/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11:00 A.M. Thursday
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
SUBJECT:
(02/01 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE 12:00
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Winston
Firestone
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston (Rm. 122, x2930) by 11:00 a.m. on Thursday,
02/02, with an info copy to my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
12:00
meclure -mo comments
andy Card- cut Social down. speech too long
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
1989 FEB PM 8: 59
(McIntyre)
February 1, 1989
8 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
x
STATE DINING ROOM East Room
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie Debartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
( (You know, on the other side of the White House is the East
Room, the largest room in this magnificent building. Over the
years, it's been used for some extraordinary events. Mrs. Adams
cw
used it to dry her laundry; Teddy Roosevelt held wrestling
exhibitions there. After this ceremony I thought we'd go over,
put on the pads, and scrimmage the White House press corps. (LL)
You guys are on my side.)) (LL)
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably. the N.F.L.'s team of the '80s. With this, your
third Super Bowl title in eight years, you re-wrote the record
books and raised the game of football to a new level of
excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice. " (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." " When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President. ) ) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the Super Bowl the
Cicc.
49er defense played cool, smart, hard hitting football. During
the first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the
defense kept you in the gamex WITH THEIR COOL, smart, handhetting
football.
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
C,coom
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there At one point in
the season, you had six wins, five losses, and many of the
pundits were writing you off. ((I think they must have been the
same pundits who predicted the Democrats would win last fall's
election.)) (LL)
Cicc.
Throughout the season
But you never gave up. You pulled together as a team. You
came back, step-by-step, game-by-game. You eliminated your
mistakes and you never stopped striving for excellence. There's
body presidents
a lesson in that for the student athletes with us today, and
that's why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried.
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce.
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years. And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
And, really, it doesn't matter what you decide to do with
your life as long as you're committed to being the best. If you
want to be a teacher, then be the best teacher you can be. If
you want to be an artist, then be the best artist you can be. If
you want to be a medical doctor, then be the best doctor you can
be.
As you go through life you will find that you don't always
succeed exactly the way you planned. You won't always win. You
won't always be number 1. But if you find joy in the effort,
then I guarantee you you will lead fulfilling lives. You will
be satisfied in the knowledge that you did your best.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
It's not enough to have fast feet if you have a slow mind. And
to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for excellence.
slay athletics
So hit the books every bit as hard as you hit your opponents
Cicc
on the football field. Education is the key to opportunity. It
will unlock doors that otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
02/01/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11:00 A.M. Thursday
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
(02/01 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Winston
Firestone
CARD
)
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston (Rm. 122, x2930) by 11:00 a.m. on Thursday,
02/02, with an info copy to my office. Thanks.
no comments
RESPONSE:
AN
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
1989 FEB PM 8: 59
(McIntyre)
February 1, 1989
8 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie Debartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
((You know, on the other side of the White House is the East
Room, the largest room in this magnificent building. Over the
years, it's been used for some extraordinary events. Mrs. Adams
used it to dry her laundry; Teddy Roosevelt held wrestling
exhibitions there. After this ceremony I thought we'd go over,
put on the pads, and scrimmage the White House press corps. (LL)
You guys are on my side.) ) (LL)
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the N.F.L.'s team of the '80s. With this, your
third Super Bowl title in eight years, you re-wrote the record
books and raised the game of football to a new level of
excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice." (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President.) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the Super Bowl the
49er defense played cool, smart, hard-hitting football. During
the first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the
defense kept you in the game.
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. At one point in
the season, you had six wins, five losses, and many of the
pundits were writing you off. ((I think they must have been the
same pundits who predicted the Democrats would win last fall's
election.) (LL)
But you never gave up. You pulled together as a team. You
came back, step-by-step, game-by-game. You eliminated your
mistakes and you never stopped striving for excellence. There's
a lesson in that for the student-athletes with us today, and
that's why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried.
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce.
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years. And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
And, really, it doesn't matter what you decide to do with
your life as long as you're committed to being the best. If you
want to be a teacher, then be the best teacher you can be. If
you want to be an artist, then be the best artist you can be. If
you want to be a medical doctor, then be the best doctor you can
be.
As you go through life you will find that you don't always
succeed exactly the way you planned. You won't always win. You
won't always be number 1. But if you find joy in the effort,
then I guarantee you -- you will lead fulfilling lives. You will
be satisfied in the knowledge that you did your best.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
It's not enough to have fast feet if you have a slow mind. And
to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for excellence.
So hit the books every bit as hard as you hit your opponents
on the football field. Education is the key to opportunity. It
will unlock doors that otherwise might be closed to you.
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1989 FEB
02/01/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11:00 A.M. Thursday
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
(02/01 8:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
Winston
Firestone
CARD
)
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to
Chriss Winston (Rm. 122, x2930) by 11:00 a.m. on Thursday,
02/02, with an info copy to my office. Thanks.
JG-
RESPONSE:
a little long, so let's
knock out the one para.
see other edits.
gc
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
1989 FEB PM 8:59
(McIntyre)
February 1, 1989
8 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie Debartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
((You know, on the other side of the White House is the East
Room, the largest room in this magnificent building. Over the
years, it's been used for some extraordinary events. Mrs. Adams
used it to dry her laundry; Teddy Roosevelt held wrestling
exhibitions there. After this ceremony I thought we'd go over,
put on the pads, and scrimmage the White House press corps. (LL)
You guys are on my side.)) (LL)
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the N.F.L.'s team of the '80s. With this, your
third Super Bowl title in eight years, you re-wrote the record
books and raised the game of football to a new level of
excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice. (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President.)) (LL)
"Durmss" redundent]
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the Super Bowl the
49er defense played cool, smart, hard hitting football. During
the first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the
defense kept you in the game with their cool, smart, hard-hitting brand
of football.
And speaking of tough times in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. At one point in
the season, you had six wins, five losses, and many of the
pundits were writing you off. ((I think they must have been the
same pundits who predicted the Democrats would win last fall's
election.)) (LL)
throughout the season,
1
But you never gave up. You pulled together as a team. You
came back, step-by-step, game-by-game. You eliminated your
mistakes and you never stopped striving for excellence. There's
a lesson in that for the student-athletes with us today, and
that's why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried.
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce.
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years. And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
And, really, it doesn't matter what you decide to do with
your life as long as you're committed to being the best. If you
want to be a teacher, then be the best teacher you can be. If
you want to be an artist, then be the best artist you can be. If
you want to be a medical doctor, then be the best doctor you can
be.
As you go through life you will find that you don't always
succeed exactly the way you planned. You won't always win. You
won't always be number 1. But if you find joy in the effort,
then I guarantee you -- you will lead fulfilling lives. You will
be satisfied in the knowledge that you did your best.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
It's not enough to have fast feet if you have a slow mind. And
to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for excellence.
So hit the books every bit as hard as you hit your
play opponents athletics.
on the football field. Education is the key to opportunity. It
will unlock doors that otherwise might be closed to you.
[not all players, are football or are
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
(McIntyre)
February 1, 1989
8 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: VISIT BY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
STATE DINING ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Eddie Debartolo, coach Walsh and your staff, and the players
of the San Francisco 49ers, let me first say congratulations and
welcome to the White House.
( (You know, on the other side of the White House is the East
Room, the largest room in this magnificent building. Over the
years, it's been used for some extraordinary events. Mrs. Adams
used it to dry her laundry; Teddy Roosevelt held wrestling
exhibitions there. After this ceremony I thought we'd go over,
put on the pads, and scrimmage the White House press corps. (LL)
You guys are on my side.)) (LL)
Your victory last month established the 49ers as,
indisputably, the N.F.L.'s team of the '80s. With this, your
third Super Bowl title in eight years, you re-wrote the record
books and raised the game of football to a new level of
excellence.
In devising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again why
he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever. And in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe Montana once
2
again showed his grace under pressure. Joe, I guess my only
question is: Why did you wait so long to show it? (LL)
And Jerry Rice -- what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there's a new TV series coming out based on
your Super Bowl performance. It's going to be called, "Miami
Rice. " (LL) And it's going to be available in every city except
one -- Cincinnati. (LL)
Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when your team
needed the tough yardage on the ground you usually turned to
Roger Craig. In his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "Gold Rush." When he runs the football,
chances are you're headed for paydirt.
I also want to single out Roger's running mate, the
fullback, Tom Rathman, who does a lot of blocking. Typically,
fullbacks and the big guys up front who do the blocking don't get
much credit. They work hard, they get bruised and battered, but
they remain fairly anonymous. ((Frankly, it's a lot like being
Vice President. ) (LL)
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars without
also giving credit to the defense. During the Super Bowl the
49er defense played cool, smart, hard-hitting football. During
the first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the
defense kept you in the game.
3
And speaking of tough times -- in all of the hoopla
surrounding your Super Bowl victory, most people have forgotten
the adversity you overcame just to get there. At one point in
the season, you had six wins, five losses, and many of the
pundits were writing you off. ( (I think they must have been the
same pundits who predicted the Democrats would win last fall's
election.) ) (LL)
But you never gave up. You pulled together as a team. You
came back, step-by-step, game-by-game. You eliminated your
mistakes and you never stopped striving for excellence. There's
a lesson in that for the student athletes with us today, and
that's why I wanted you to share in this ceremony.
In America, whether you're trying to win football games or
trying to do a good job at work or studying for an exam, there's
no substitute for plain, old-fashioned dedication. If you shoot
for the stars, you may not quite reach them, but you'll always be
better off for having tried.
You young people represent our nation's future. After you
graduate from school you will go out and enter the workforce.
What you achieve in your life depends a lot on what you achieve
in school during the next few years. And if I could offer one
piece of advice it would be this: Strive for excellence in all
things. Don't accept mediocrity. Being satisfied with
4
mediocrity might be the easy way out, but striving for excellence
is the only way up.
And, really, it doesn't matter what you decide to do with
your life as long as you're committed to being the best. If you
want to be a teacher, then be the best teacher you can be. If
you want to be an artist, then be the best artist you can be. If
you want to be a medical doctor, then be the best doctor you can
be.
As you go through life you will find that you don't always
succeed exactly the way you planned. You won't always win. You
won't always be number 1. But if you find joy in the effort,
then I guarantee you -- you will lead fulfilling lives. You will
be satisfied in the knowledge that you did your best.
Some of you have already achieved excellence in football,
and perhaps in other sports as well. I can tell you, and the
49er players will agree, that being good in sports is not enough.
It's not enough to have fast feet if you have a slow mind. And
to achieve excellence, you have to be educated for excellence.
So hit the books every bit as hard as you hit your opponents
on the football field. Education is the key to opportunity. It
will unlock doors that otherwise might be closed to you.
or
The main ingredient in each person's success is individual
initiative. It always has been, and it always will be. If
you're willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you can
accomplish just about anything. That's what the American dream
is all about.
So, in closing, I'd like to congratulate the entire San
Francisco 49er organization: You're the best. You're the
champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your profession.
And to all of you, strive to be the best. Work to be
champions so that someday you, too, will reach your own pinnacles
of excellence.
Thank you.
####
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 3, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE SUPERBOWL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The East Room
3:05 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome. Please be seated. Jack --
that's our Cabinet star, Jack Kemp. Did you all get a chance to see
him? Good.
Well, Danny DeBartolo and Coach Walsh and the staff and
all the players here from the 49ers, let me just say first
congratulations to all of you and welcome to the White House. This
victory last month of the 49ers as indisputably the world's champion
sets you up as that in every sense of the word. And with this, your
third Superbowl title in eight years, you rewrote the record books
and raised the game of football to a new level of excellence.
In divising your game plan, Bill Walsh proved once again
why he's considered one of the greatest coaches ever, and in leading
your team 97 yards in the final three minutes, Joe, you once again
showed your grace under pressure. I guess we all wonder why did it
take so long -- (laughter) -- but nevertheless the country saw it.
And, Jerry Rice, what can I say that hasn't already been
said? I've heard there is a new TV series coming out based on your
Superbowl performance -- Miami Rice. (Laughter.) Available in every
city in the country except one -- (laughter) -- Cincinnati, that is.
(Laughter.)
And Joe and Jerry handled the aerial attack, but when
your team needed the tough yardage on the ground you turned to Roger
Craig. And in his years as a 49er, Roger has given a whole new
meaning to the words "gold rush," " and when he runs the football, the
chances are he is headed for paydirt.
It wouldn't be fair to mention the offensive stars
without also giving great credit to the defense. And during the
first half, when the offense was having a tough time, the defense
kept you in that ballgame with their cool, smart, hard-hitting
football.
And speaking of tough times, in all of the hoopla
surrounding the Superbowl victory, most people have forgotten the
adversity that you overcame just to get there. But you never gave
up, you pulled together as a team, you came back step by step, game
by game, and you eliminated mistakes, never stopped striving for
excellence.
- 2 -
and perhaps in other sports, as well. And I can tell you and the 49
players, I'm sure -- 49ers -- will agree, I am sure, that being good
in sports is not enough and to achieve excellence, you just have to
be educated for excellence. The main ingredient in each person's
success is individual initiative. It always has been and it always
will be. So I would say, if you're willing to work hard and make
sacrifices, you can accomplish just about anything you set your mind
to. And that's what the American dream is all about.
And, again, to all the 49ers, and to you, Coach Walsh,
and to all the 49ers -- my congratulations to you. And thanks for
setting a superb example for our country.
Thank you and God bless all of you. (Applause.)
MR. DEBARTOLO: Mr. President, it's a great honor being
here. And there's a few presentations that Coach Walsh and the
players want to make. I want to just make one announcement that we
did find out that your ring size is 11 and a half. And we're going
to give you the first ring that comes out of production because we
want you to be an honorary member of our team. And we're with a
thousand percent in everything you do. And God bless you and all
that you do and thank you, sir. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
MR. MONTANA: Thank you. Mr. President, first let me
congratulate you also on your victory. And secondly, I also would
like, on behalf of my teammates, say thank you for your hospitality
here this afternoon. It means a lot to all of us. Not very often do
I get to see many of these guys in ties. (Laughter.) And thirdly,
we'd like to present you with a little token of our appreciation,
little autographed balls and -- from the Superbowl, and say best of
luck to you. We wish you the best and thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, that's great. Thank you very
much.
MR. RICE: Mr. President, we're glad to be here. We'd
like to thank you for bringing us out into your wonderful home.
(Laughter.) You know, I looked forward to this day and I just hope
that we get an opportunity to come back next year and stand right
here before you. And on behalf of the San Francisco 49ers, I'd like
to present you with this ball and --
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much -- the real thing.
(Laughter.)
MR. RICE: That's the real thing from the Superbowl.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you so much.
Good luck to you. (Applause.)
COACH WALSH: Mr. President, we have also -- we know
you're a runner, so we have a running suit. I'm not sure we suggest
running the streets of Washington, D.C. in this suit. (Laughter.)
In fact, we're somewhat concerned we're sort of -- a little bit of
overkill here. Remember, the Redskin fans are all around us.
(Laughter.) But we do feel so proud to be part of this, to have won