Whether it comes down to a last second shot, a final at bat, or killing a rally, there is no greater accomplishment in the world of college athletics, than to win a national title.  The long hours at practice and time spent traveling have paid off.  Amidst the celebration, the champions must find to time to pack for one last trip … the White House.

It has been a tradition and honor in the world of collegiate sports for the national champions to accept the invitation by the President to visit the White House.

Just days after hoisting up the 2009 National Championship trophy and wrapping up another perfect season, the University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball team was awarded the opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House.

Sarah Darras, an administrator for UConn Women’s Basketball, said the team had hoped if they won the National Championship, they would receive an invitation to visit President Obama at the White House.

“The team knew that this was going to be an experience that they would remember for a lifetime,” said Darras.  “To have had the opportunity to interact with the President was a humbling experience.”

Just a few months later, after winning game three of the College World Series, the Louisiana State University Men’s Baseball team received a similar invite from Vice President Joe Biden.

Herb Vincent, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations at LSU, said the players were excited to meet Vice President Biden and “it was a great educational experience…to visit the White House, as well as the US Capital, the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.”

During the visit, the players spent a considerable amount of time interacting with the Vice President as they gathered around him, according to Vincent.

“The Vice President…told them stories about his days as an amateur baseball player and the admiration he had for what the team had accomplished.”

For over 20 years, CharterSearch has arranged air charter flights for championship athletic programs in various collegiate sports including basketball, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, wrestling, hockey, and swimming and diving. 

“It’s gratifying to arrange the air charters all season for a team and then arrange their charter flight to the White House after they have won the championship,” expressed Joe Quinn, President of CharterSearch.

“Our list of championship clients is pretty long,” said Quinn.  “It is a pleasure to provide the charters for such teams.  It’s fun for us, as a company, to arrange the trip for the national champions to see the White House.”