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Job well done State lawmakers honor Jazz, Starzz standouts
Posted: Friday February 18, 2000 03:52 PM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Legislature honored two of the sweetest jump shots in basketball Thursday. Lawmakers unanimously passed a pair of resolutions honoring Utah Jazz guard Jeff Hornacek for defending his 3-point shooting title at the last NBA All-Star Game and Utah Starzz forward Natalie Williams for teaming up with Hornacek to win the 2-ball competition. "Nowadays, when we see all these crazy things athletes are doing ... its such a refreshing change to have people like Jeff and Natalie," said House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West, an avid basketball fan. Jazz and Starzz owner Larry Miller -- known for his emotional speeches -- broke down in tears as he praised his players on the Senate floor. Hornacek said he and his wife had contemplated moving to Utah because of its family atmosphere even before he was traded to the Jazz 6 1/2 years ago. The team flew his parents to Utah for Thursday's ceremony, and his wife and three children were also on hand. "Be it resolved ... that the Legislature and the governor recognize Jeff Hornacek for his athletic skill, commitment to community and family, and his example to the youth of Utah," the resolution read. A similar statement honored Williams, a Utah native who joined the WNBA's Starzz last season. She is preparing to join the U.S. women's national team to begin practice for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
Williams said she just tried to hold up her end in the two-ball competition, which teamed WNBA and NBA players. The team scoring the most points from selected spots on the floor won.
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