President George Bush welcomed several 2005 and 2006 NCAA National Championship teams, including the Auburn's men's and women's swimming and diving teams, on Thursday afternoon on the South Lawn of the White House.

"In the year of swimming and diving, it was the year of War Eagle," said the President while holding a Speedo suit that Auburn had presented to him earlier. "Not only have these teams excelled in athletics, but they have excelled in academics and in the community. Of the thousands of people that competed at the NCAA level, very few have the opportunity to be crowned National Champions."

Auburn, which has won four consecutive men's national titles and four of the last five NCAA women's championships, presented the President with an Auburn swim cap with "Mr. President" printed on the cap along with two Speedo swim suits and an Auburn jacket. The women's team presented First Lady Laura Bush with an Auburn National Championship shirt.

"It's been amazing," said senior Kurt Cady. "When the President walks into the room, he's the President. But, when he walks up to talk to you, he's so welcoming that you're not even nervous. He acted like we were long-lost friends. It's been an awesome trip. It is something that I'll never forget."

Cady and women's senior Jeri Moss, who were selected to present the President with the team gifts, had a chance to meet President Bush prior to the presentation.

"It was neat having the chance to meet the President and present him with a gift," Moss said. "He was very good humored about receiving a Speedo. The last few weeks have been amazing. There's no other way that I would want to end my Auburn career."

The trip marked the second-consecutive year that Auburn has been recognized at the White House. On July 12, 2005, the Auburn men's swimming and diving team was recognized for their 2005 national championship.

"This year's visit topped last year's because the women were able to join the men's team," Head Coach David Marsh said. "Adding to the experience was having the President walk into the room and saying, 'you're back again.' It was very heartwarming. The team once again enjoyed the openness the President had with them. He spent a good amount of time appreciating the hard work that goes into swimming and diving."

Following the team's visit to the White House, the squads spent the remainder of the afternoon sight-seeing before returning to Auburn Thursday evening.

Also at the ceremony were: Colorado Men's and Women's Skiing, Florida Men's Basketball, Maryland Women's Basketball, Maryland Women's Field Hockey, Maryland Men's Soccer, Stanford Women's Cross Country, Wisconsin Men's Cross Country, Portland Women's Soccer, U.S. Military Academy Riffle.