TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY WRESTLING TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Lexington High School varsity wrestling team took top honors at the state competition at Dreher High School in Columbia on Saturday, February 9, 2013; and

Whereas, to the delight of their fans and the disappointment of their opponents, the Lexington High School Wildcats erased the previous two straight years of losses at the state match with a 36-21 victory over top-ranked Rock Hill High School; and

Whereas, the Wildcat wrestlers knew they would have to take the lead in the early and heavier bouts due to the strength of the grapplers they would face in the lower and middle weights against Rock Hill's Bearcats; and

Whereas, when the Cats from the Midlands faced off against the Cats from the Upstate, Lexington took a 24-3 lead, seizing six of the first seven weight classes, but Rock Hill answered and reduced the Wildcat lead to 27-21 by the time the 195-pound bout began; and

Whereas, Wildcat Andrew Carnes wrested a 3-1 decision in the thirteenth bout which gave Lexington an overwhelming 30-21 lead, but in a wonderful example of sportsmanship, the Bearcats forfeited their final weight bout in order to give veteran Wildcat, senior Nate Meagher, the opportunity to be part of his team's historic, winning lineup and set the final score at 36-21; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands mental fortitude and individual excellence, Head Coach Derek Strobel and his fine coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic ability and training to forge a championship team and teach these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the mats; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the pride and recognition that the Lexington High School wrestlers have brought to their school and their community and look to hear of their continued accomplishments 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 Lexington High School varsity wrestling team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season, and congratulate them for winning the Class AAAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Melissa C. Rawl and Coach Derek Strobel.