A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE leslie M. Stover Middle School wrestling team, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that the members of the Stover Middle School wrestling team of Kershaw County captured the state title at the state tournament on January 28, 2026, held at Lexington High School for the boys and at Gilbert High School for the girls; and

 

Whereas, the Stover wrestling team has demonstrated exceptional skills, perseverance, and dedication throughout the 2025-2026 wrestling season with a 16-1 dual record; and

 

Whereas, the team's success on the mat reflects the hard work and the core ideals of sportsmanship, honesty, and respect for authority that the athletes have developed; and

 

Whereas, the championship team members included Matthew Moore, Dalton Hinson, Melissa Paloblanco, Madelyn Ross, Chance Lowe, Conner Moore, Ben McArdle, Matthew Garcia, Hunter Griggs, Emery Greene, Gavin Rush, Carter Perot, Wyatt Perry, Austin Graham, Cierra Blackmon, Shawn Dilker, Jaylah Gonzales, Michael Rogers, and Jayden Pena; and

 

Whereas, besides earning the title of state champion, Stover produced three state finalists and two most outstanding wrestlers and made Stover history as the only two-time girls state champion. Eighth grader Madelyn Ross in the 115-weight class is a two-time middle school girls state champion and named most outstanding wrestler. Seventh grader Gavin Rush in the 102-weight class and eighth grader Dalton Hinson in the 145-weight class were both named boys middle school state champions. Eighth grader Matthew Moore in the 135-weight class placed second as a middle school finisher; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that requires mental fortitude and individual excellence, Head Coach Lorenzo McGee and his dedicated coaching assistants, Elijah McGee and Robby Hinson, used their own athletic ability and training to produce a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the mats; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate appreciates the pride and recognition that the Stover grapplers have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Leslie M. Stover Middle School wrestling team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2026 South Carolina State Championship Title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Luvenia Zimmer, principal, and to Coach Lorenzo McGee.

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