By Craddick                                           H.C.R. No. 80
         77R3773 WMS-D                           
                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, Cedric Benson of Midland Lee High School has
 1-2     achieved  outstanding success in the sport of football by leading
 1-3     his team to three consecutive state championships and has
 1-4     established himself as one of the premier high school running backs
 1-5     in the nation; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, The fourth leading rusher in Texas high school
 1-7     football history with 8,423 yards, Mr. Benson closed out his career
 1-8     at Midland Lee High School with a dominating performance in the UIL
 1-9     Class 5A title game, churning out 255 yards and scoring five
1-10     touchdowns against then top-ranked Austin Westlake, and leading his
1-11     squad to a 33-21 victory; and
1-12           WHEREAS, Affectionately known as El Ced, this phenomenal
1-13     player set a number of records, including most touchdowns scored in
1-14     a Texas state championship game, five, which he accomplished in the
1-15     1998, 1999, and 2000 contests, and most rushing touchdowns in state
1-16     title games; and
1-17           WHEREAS, His many district records include career high-water
1-18     marks in points scored, touchdowns, touchdowns rushing, consecutive
1-19     100-yard games, 300-yard games, yards rushing, rush carries, and
1-20     consecutive games with touchdowns; most points scored, touchdowns,
1-21     and yards rushing in a single season; and most yards rushing in a
1-22     single game; and
1-23           WHEREAS, Mr. Benson has deservedly garnered numerous awards
1-24     and accolades throughout his stellar career, including twice being
 2-1     named Texas Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated
 2-2     Press Sports Editors as well as District 4-5A offensive MVP,
 2-3     earning the High School Heisman award for the Southwest Region, and
 2-4     he was tabbed as the Midland Reporter-Telegram's Newsmaker 2000;
 2-5     and
 2-6           WHEREAS, After graduation, he will become a member of The
 2-7     University of Texas Longhorns, where he hopes to add his own
 2-8     chapter to the storied history of that esteemed football program;
 2-9     and
2-10           WHEREAS, Mr. Benson's exploits on the gridiron have earned
2-11     him legendary status in the annals of Texas high school football;
2-12     he has set standards of excellence to which all in his sport can
2-13     aspire, and his accomplishments are indeed worthy of special
2-14     legislative recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it
2-15           RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas
2-16     hereby congratulate Cedric Benson of Midland Lee High School on his
2-17     remarkable athletic achievements and extend to him sincere best
2-18     wishes for continued success; and, be it further
2-19           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-20     prepared for Mr. Benson as an expression of high regard by the
2-21     Texas House of Representatives and Senate.