79R10538 JHS-D

By:  Flynn                                                        H.R. No. 972



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Van High School boys' basketball team has 
captured its first state title since 1942, winning the UIL 3A State 
Championship at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin on March 12, 2005; 
and
	WHEREAS, The Vandals defeated a tough and talented Graham 
High School team by a score of 62-41; relying on tenacious defense 
and timely shooting, the Vandals claimed the coveted championship 
crown in front of an excited crowd of enthusiastic fans; and
	WHEREAS, Coach Jerry Cassell schooled the Vandals in hardwood 
fundamentals and emphasized the importance of teamwork and 
sportsmanship throughout the long season; he was ably supported in 
the performance of his duties by assistant coaches Jeff Hutchins, 
Rick Jones, Mike Cassell, and Dustin White, each of whom made a 
valuable contribution to the team's success; and
	WHEREAS, The senior-laden squad includes championship game 
MVP Brandon Roberts, fellow seniors Grant McMillan, Kacey McCauley, 
Cory Foster, Beau Garland, Marcus Brown, Cody Huffman, Andrew 
Thompson, Kenny Ghormley, and Wade Mackey, juniors Dalvin Davis, 
Duncan McFarland, and Chris Gossett, and freshman Jermie Calhoun; 
and
	WHEREAS, Winning a state championship is the culmination of 
countless hours of hard work and dedication to a common goal, and 
the memory of this accomplishment will remain with these young men 
and their coaches for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Coach Jerry Cassell and the Van 
Vandals for winning the UIL 3A State Championship and extend best 
wishes to the many individuals who contributed to the team's 
success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the team and its coaches as an expression of high 
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.