WASHINGTON – In congratulating NCAA championship teams on Thursday at the White House, President Bush joked that the U.S. Military Academy's rifle team might be able to teach Vice President Dick Cheney a thing or two.
"If you happen to be walking around and run into the vice president, you might give him a few pointers," Bush said, referring to how Cheney accidentally shot a companion while hunting in Texas.
Bush, who said he'd be at West Point next month to deliver a commencement speech, honored 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association teams for winning national titles during the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
Bush's quip about Cheney got the biggest laugh at the ceremony on the South Lawn.
The "Lady Terps" received the biggest applause.
The University of Maryland's women's basketball team won its first NCAA title on Tuesday, overcoming a 13-point deficit to force overtime and beat Duke University 78-75.
"Less than 48 hours ago, they were cutting down the nets in Boston," Bush said. "Here they are soaking up the sun at the White House. We welcome you here. We marvel at your dramatic overtime win and we thank you for being such fantastic athletes."
The women's basketball team was one of three Terrapin teams Bush honored from the University of Maryland. The university's women's field hockey team and men's soccer team were NCAA champs in 2005.
"Perhaps one theme of champions day is `Fear the Turtle,"' Bush said.
Auburn University women's championship swimming and diving team gave the president a skimpy black bathing suit.
"Awfully thoughtful of you," he said, holding it up for the audience to see. "I'm not gonna wear it."
The 2006 NCAA championship teams recognized were:
University of Colorado men's and women's skiing team
Auburn University women's swimming and diving team
Auburn University men's swimming and diving team
University of Maryland women's basketball team
University of Florida men's basketball team
The 2005 NCAA championship teams recognized were:
U.S. Military Academy rifle team
University of Wisconsin men's cross country team
University of Portland women's soccer team
University of Washington women's volleyball team
University of Maryland women's field hockey team
University of Maryland men's soccer team
Stanford University women's cross country team
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