A senate RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor the May River High School wrestling team, coaches, and school officials on an outstanding season and to congratulate them on winning the South Carolina High School League Wrestling AAAA State Championship.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were pleased to hear that on February 11, 2026, at Gilbert High School, the May River Sharks took home top honors at the 2026 South Carolina High School League Wrestling AAAA State Championship match, winning the state title for the second consecutive year; and

 

Whereas, the Sharks wrestled the Travelers Rest High School Devildogs from Greenville County in the state championship match. May River led 31-23 before forfeiting the 285 heavy weight class to finish the match 31-29, securing the state title for the second time in program history; and

 

Whereas, match winners for May River were Stephano Calderon, 106 weight class; Bryce Butler, 113 weight class; Marcus Foulk, 126 weight class; Jacob Alfonzo, 138 weight class; Blake Butler, 157 weight class; Henry Santiz, 190 weight class; and Sean Zadroga-McNulty, 215 weight class; and

 

Whereas, the May River Sharks finished the season with an impressive 27-1 record. 2026 marks the May River High School and their wrestling program's tenth year anniversary. This year, the Sharks captured their eighth consecutive region title, their fourth lower state title, their second state title, and their second dual state title; and

 

Whereas, Head Coach Ashley Powell, and his talented coaching staff, Coach Cataldo, Coach Walker, Coach Benjamin, Coach Gio, and Coach Swenson implemented the idea of "discipline over motivation" this season, stating that motivation is temporary, while discipline lasts and gets you through difficult times. The lessons that they have taught these young athletes will continue to shape them on and off the mat; and

 

Whereas, the Sharks also secured another state title at the South Carolina High School League Individual State, held at Florence Civic Center. The team finished the day with standout performances from Stephano Calderon, Bryce Butler, Ryan Seman, Marcus Foulk, Thomas Brough, Blake Butler, and Sean Zadroga-McNulty, with Vivian Urriola capturing the first female state champion title for the Sharks; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate value the pride and recognition that the May River High School wrestlers have brought to their school and community. The members look forward to hearing of their future achievements in the days to come. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the May River High School wrestling team, coaches, and school officials on an outstanding season and congratulate them on winning the South Carolina High School League AAAA Wrestling State Championship.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to May River High School Principal Dr. KaRon L. Webb and Head Coach Ashley Powell.

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