H*4475 Concurrent Resolution, By Hinson, H. Brown, Law, Dantzler and Gourdine
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS
 OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE STRATFORD HIGH
 SCHOOL "KNIGHTS" FOOTBALL TEAM OF GOOSE CREEK, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THEIR
 COACHES FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL UNDEFEATED SEASON AND ON CAPTURING THE 1999 CLASS
 AAAA, DIVISION I STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

   01/26/00  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-4
   01/27/00  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-12

TO EXPRESS THE HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE STRATFORD HIGH SCHOOL "KNIGHTS" FOOTBALL TEAM OF GOOSE CREEK, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THEIR COACHES FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL UNDEFEATED SEASON AND ON CAPTURING THE 1999 CLASS AAAA, DIVISION I STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are proud to have an opportunity to recognize the Stratford High School "Knights" Football Team on their winning this significant and prestigious championship; and

Whereas, "In August we thought we had a good enough defense (to win it all), if it could wait on the offense," Knights' Head Coach Ray Stackley said after his defense stopped Dorman High just shy of the end zone as time ran out on a 24-17 Stratford triumph in the Class AAAA, Division I State Football Championship last December at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia; and

Whereas, with the final seconds draining from the clock and Stratford leading the championship game 24-17, Dorman was on the march and, for a fleeting moment, the "Knights" were on their heels. To complete their unbelievable undefeated season with a perfect 15-0 record, the "Knights" only needed to stop them before they reached the end zone. It was a race against time, against fate, and against destiny. In one glorious moment, the "Knights" won all three races. A victory gained in such close fashion is to be cherished; and

Whereas, the excellent coaching of Coach Ray Stackley, along with his able Assistant Coaches, Tony Smith, Bobby Marion, Wil Lampkin, John Chalus, Bob Hayes, Scott Ruggles, and Joe Marion, clearly paid significant dividends to the Stratford High School Football Team. A special thanks goes to Athletic Trainer Mike Ryan and Student Trainers and Managers Jay Cousins, Jason Firkins, and Jennifer Grant; and

Whereas, the countless hours of practice, hard work, and sacrifices certainly reflect the "Knights" determination to be the best that they could be; and

Whereas, the success of the 1999 Stratford High School Football Team has brought great pride and recognition not only upon Berkeley County, but also to the Palmetto State; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly would like to publicly recognize and congratulate each player, each coach, and staff member upon the conclusion of a truly memorable season. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, express their hearty congratulations to the Stratford High School "Knights" Football Team of Goose Creek, South Carolina, and their coaches for an exceptional undefeated season and on capturing the 1999 Class AAAA, Division I State Football Championship.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Ray Stackley and Principal George C. McCrackin.