TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HAMMOND SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2013 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (SCISA) CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO HONOR THE TEAM'S SUPERLATIVE WRESTLERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.

Whereas, on January 26, 2013, Hammond School returned to power in SCISA wrestling, defeating four-time defending champion Cardinal Newman 53-27 in the state title bout at Columbia's Ben Lippen School; and

Whereas, the Skyhawks ruled the first four years of SCISA sanctioning before giving way to the Cardinals. Last year, Hammond endured a 42-39 defeat to their archrivals, a decision that came down to the final bout. Hammond would not be denied this year and once again pinned down the Class AAA crown; and

Whereas, Coach Michael DeVita, who had honed his players into a championship machine, saw the fruits of his labors as the title trophy was hoisted; and

Whereas, senior Matthew Kay's pin of Nathan Hayes at 138 pounds was the turning point. Cardinal Newman had a 17-11 lead after five bouts and sent Hayes, the top-ranked man at 138 by scmat.com, out against second-ranked Kay. Hayes scored a quick takedown, but Kay responded with a reverse and eventually got a pin with 10 seconds left in the first period; and

Whereas, it was the start of a Hammond surge, seven pins over the next eight weights; and

Whereas, Lang Phillips (145), Stephen Mitchell (160), Edward Mitchell (170), Cody Sims (182), and Calhoun McDougall followed Kay's lead. Edward Mitchell was nearly pinned early in the first period before he escaped and flipped James Garrick on his back for a stunning fall at 1:13 of the first period. Sims' second-period pin of Patrick Nieri was the clincher; and

Whereas, the Skyhawks have brought great pride and recognition to their school and community, and the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize such a wonderful group of young men. 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 commend the Hammond School wrestling team for capturing the 2013 South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Class AAA State Championship title, and honor the team's superlative wrestlers, coaches, and staff.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Chris Angel and Coach Michael DeVita of Hammond School.