A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE York Comprehensive High School Male and Female Strength TEAMs, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR a REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024-2025 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the York Comprehensive High male and female strength teams both captured state titles from the state meet for the female team held at Blythewood High School on November 9, 2024, and the state meet for males held at Lexington High School on March 22, 2025; and

 

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the York Comprehensive team defeated competitive comers from around the State to win their respective state trophies; and

 

Whereas, competing in their respective weight classes, the athletes are given scores on their performance in three events: back squat, bench press, and standing broad jump.  At the conclusion of each meet, the athletes are ranked by their performance, and the athlete with the best scores is crowned state champ.  Athletes placing in the top six also contribute points to their team's final score; and

 

Whereas, York took twenty female athletes and ten male athletes to compete at the two state meets.  At the female state meet, York Comprehensive set a record with nine All-State athletes, two State Champions and seven All-State finishers.  At the Male State meet, York had one state champion and one All-State finisher; and

 

Whereas, York's individual state female champions were Gracin Carroll in the 110-pound class and Briley Comer in the 160-pound class. York posted three state record holders: Jessica Merwin in the 120-pound class with a 230-pound back squat, Maddi Ross in the 120-pound class with a 115-pound bench press, and Briley Comer in the 160-pound class with a 280-pound back squat; and

 

Whereas, York's All-State female athletes included Brooklyn Carter in the 160-pound class, Lexi Clark in the 140-pound class, Caroline Clark in the 150-pound class, Teagan Cowart in the 120-pound class, Hope Henderson in the 110-pound class, AC Lingerfelt in the 150-pound class, and Jordan Welsh in the 130-pound class; and

 

Whereas, male strength athletes made their mark. Eli Clinton in the 180-pound class was named an individual state champion and made a state record with a 10-foot 4-inch broad jump. Clayton Russell in the 140-pound class was named an All-State athlete; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that exacts perseverance, strength, and expertise, Head Coach Jason Layman, named AAAA Strength Coach of the Year, and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic experience and training to forge two championship-caliber teams and teach these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable through life both in and out of the gym; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the York Comprehensive strength athletes have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following 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 York Comprehensive High male and female strength teams, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2024-2025 South Carolina Class AAAA State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. John Tharpe, principal of York Comprehensive High School, and to Coach Jason Layman.

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