SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 279

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the South Oak Cliff High School football team, which recently won the 2023 University Interscholastic League Class 5A Division II state championship title; and

WHEREAS, The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears were victorious in their 2023 appearance at the Class 5A Division II finals; the team defeated the Port Neches-Groves Indians by a score of 34-24 on December 16, 2022, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and became the first Dallas Independent School District team in history to win consecutive state championships; and

WHEREAS, These young athletes have demonstrated great talent and perseverance throughout the school year, ending the season with a 13-3 record; the members of this championship team can take great pride in their outstanding performance; and

WHEREAS, Under the superior leadership and expertise of Head Coach Jason Todd, Athletic Coordinator James Mays, and Assistant Athletic Director William C. Mitchell and with the guidance of Principal Dr. Willie Johnson and Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears have developed exceptional teamwork and discipline; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Golden Bears received invaluable support throughout the 2022-2023 season from the team's training staff and managers, as well as from assistant coaches Michael Brewster, Zachary Collins, James Davis, Keith Davis, Thomas Gish, James Gish, Matthew Hornbuckle, Wayne Ingram, Herman Johnson, David Johnson, Cranston Jones, Ronald Jones, Javon Linley, A. D. Madise, Marcus McGrew, Christopher Pegram, Devin Powell, Domenic Spencer, Michael Traylor, Kyle Ward, Brezmond Warren, and Ellis Wheatfall; and

WHEREAS, South Oak Cliff High School and the City of Dallas are proud of the Golden Bears for their hard work, their impressive skills, and their fine sportsmanship; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend the players, coaches, and staff of the South Oak Cliff High School football team on the Golden Bears' successful season and congratulate them on winning the 2023 UIL Class 5A Division II state championship; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. West

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 7, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate