A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CELEBRATE THE MEMBERS OF THE CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND TO APPLAUD THEM FOR ANOTHER FABULOUS SEASON.

 

Whereas, on a chilly Wednesday in early February 2026, the members of the Cardinal Newman School wrestling team proved they were not a flash in the pan when it comes to championship titles. For the third year in a row, they pinned down the South Carolina Independent School Association State Championship with a 54-22 win over Ben Lippen; and

 

Whereas, the Falcons led 23-12 before the Cardinals were able to take control of the match. Newman's Luke Gjoklaj (175) won by pin over Thomas Yarborough. Then, Ethan Ash's comeback win at 190 pounds gave the Cardinals the boost they needed. Ash trailed before rallying to pin Ben Lippen's Jackson Flynn, putting Cardinal Newman up 25-23; and

 

Whereas, the Cardinals won the final five matches and clinched the title on L.J. Murphy's win by decision with two matches to go. Other Cardinal Newman winners were Ken Clark (215), Sami Touma (285), Carter Lirgg (113), Eli Lorang (120), Triston Johnson (138), Cooper Smythe (144), and Shayne Ross (150); and

 

Whereas, having seen his Cardinals deliver a powerful performance, Coach Cole McCarter proudly watched as they packed up hardware only champions get to take home; and

 

Whereas, the House takes great pleasure in saluting the young athletes of the Cardinal Newman wrestling team and looks forward to hearing of their exploits in coming seasons. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the members of the Cardinal Newman School wrestling team for capturing the 2026 South Carolina Independent School Association State Championship and applaud them for another fabulous season.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Charles Assey and Coach Cole McCarter of Cardinal Newman School.

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