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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Junior Filikitonga was inducted into the |
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Hurst-Euless-Bedford Sports Hall of Fame on February 16, 2013, in |
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recognition of his notable contributions to local athletics; and |
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WHEREAS, Since 1995, the H-E-B Sports Hall of Fame has paid |
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tribute to individuals and teams who have made a positive impact in |
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the community through sports-related endeavors; the hall was |
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created to acknowledge successful teams and athletes as well as |
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officials, administrators, trainers, medical practitioners, media |
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figures, and others who have distinguished themselves with their |
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achievements; and |
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WHEREAS, Junior Filikitonga attended Midway Park Elementary |
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and Central Junior High in Euless before becoming a standout |
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athlete at Trinity High School; he earned all-district and |
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all-region honors in track-and-field and football, qualified for |
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the state meet in the shot put and discus, and was chosen to play in |
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a North-South All-Star football game as a result of his exceptional |
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performance as a defensive end for the Trojans; and |
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WHEREAS, Continuing his football career at the collegiate |
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level, Mr. Filikitonga was named an All-American while playing at |
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Tyler Junior College; he then joined the Abilene Christian |
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University team for two seasons, during which he became the fifth |
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all-time leading tackler for the Wildcats and earned several |
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significant accolades; in 1997, he was selected as the Lone Star |
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Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year and a first team |
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All-American, and the following year he became a finalist for the |
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Harlon Hill Trophy, given to the NCAA Division II player of the |
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year; and |
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WHEREAS, When an injury cut short his professional football |
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career, Mr. Filikitonga returned to Abilene Christian as an |
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assistant coach for two years and also volunteered as a youth |
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football coach; in addition, he has become active in the sport of |
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mixed martial arts, both as a competitor and a coach; and |
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WHEREAS, Junior Filikitonga's many accomplishments have |
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helped advance the proud tradition of athletic excellence in the |
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Hurst-Euless-Bedford school system and beyond, and he is indeed |
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deserving of this prestigious honor; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate Junior Filikitonga on his |
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induction into the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Sports Hall of Fame and |
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extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Filikitonga as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |