H*5305 Resolution, By Hodges
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE WHALE BRANCH EARLY COLLEGE HIGH
 SCHOOL VARSITY BOYS TRACK TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN
 OUTSTANDING SEASON, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2012 CLASS A
 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

   05/23/12  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 14)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE WHALE BRANCH EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY BOYS TRACK TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2012 CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Whale Branch Early College High School varsity boys track team of Beaufort County took top honors at the state competition on Saturday, May 12, 2012; and

Whereas, to the delight of their fans, the Whale Branch Warriors captured the first state championship trophy in any sport for the school that is just two years old by defeating the Ridgeland High School Jaguars 79 to 71.5 in track and field; and

Whereas, the Warriors emerged victorious largely due to senior Andre Watson's powerful first-place finish in the 100-meter dash and another one in the 200-meter, which broke an eleven-year-old state record; and

Whereas, moving to the Lowcountry just before the beginning of his senior year after spending three years in Okinawa, Japan, Andre Watson won each of his races by a convincing margin with blazing speed and helped Whale Branch post a win in the 4x400 relay and a runner-up finish in the 4x100 relay; and

Whereas, the Whale Branch track and field members proved their ability to work as a team, one of sport's most difficult skills, as they placed in the 4x800, and Warriors Charles Jiles and Devonta Glover placed in the 1,600 meter; Devonte Delaney also posted in the 400 hurdles, and Devonte Alston had an outstanding performance in the triple jump and the high jump; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands stamina, perseverance, and versatility, Head Coach Terry Fillmore and his skilled coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic ability and training to mold a championship team and teach these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable throughout life's long track; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the recognition that the members of the Whale Branch Early College High School varsity boys track team have brought to their school and community and look to hear of their continued accomplishments in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Whale Branch Early College High School varsity boys track team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season, and congratulate them for winning the 2012 Class A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Priscilla Drake and Coach Terry Fillmore.