A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE HAMMOND SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Hammond School boys lacrosse team captured the South Carolina Independent School Association Class 4A state title at the championship finals, held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Hammond's Edens Stadium; and

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the Hammond Skyhawks earned the state crown with a convincing 16-3 victory over Porter Gaud. The Skyhawks broke open a close game in the second and third quarters to give Hammond its first championship since 2017 and its sixth in school history; and

Whereas, Heath Jackson scored six goals to lead the Skyhawks. Jackson, the team's top scorer, had three straight goals during the second quarter to put Hammond up 5-3. Ben Heroman added five goals, including two in the third quarter, as the Skyhawks stretched their 7-3 halftime lead to 13-3 after three. Witt Williams and Drew McCall each added two goals, and Edward Grimsley had one. Noah Eargle got the winning goal; and

Whereas, Hammond finished the season at 16-2, with wins over A.C. Flora, Lexington, and Catawba Ridge; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands agility, strategy, and strength, Head Coach Jonathan Patterson and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic experience and training to forge a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable throughout life, both on and off the field; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the pride and recognition the Hammond lacrosse players have brought to their school and community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Hammond School boys lacrosse team, coaches, and school officials for a stellar season and congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 4A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Head of School Andy North and Head Coach Jonathan Patterson of Hammond School.

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