A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Beaufort High School varsity football TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2022 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE, the first in the program's history since 1945 and the first since public school integration in 1970 when the schools of beaufort high, robert sMALLS high, and st. helena high merged into one school.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Beaufort High School varsity football team captured the state title at the state match-up held at Charlie Johnson Stadium in Columbia on Thursday, December 1, 2022; and

 

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the Beaufort High Eagles defeated a fine, competitive Powdersville 41-31 in the program's first state title in seventy-seven years. The stadium full of Eagles' fans went absolutely crazy when the team won after having trailed at halftime; and

 

Whereas, the championship also represented the first for the Beaufort High Eagles since the merger of the Beaufort High Tidal Waves, the Robert Smalls High Generals, and the St. Helena High Eagles during public school integration in 1970 to create the current high school, taking its name from the Beaufort High Tidal Waves, its mascot from the St. Helena High Eagles, and its school colors of green and white from the Robert Smalls High Generals; and

 

Whereas, the Eagle's football victory is an example of what a sports program can mean to the players and to their community and an example to them of how they can take advantage of opportunities in the future; and

 

Whereas, the twenty-two seniors on the team have led the Eagles by example.  Some of them were Hart Cushman who was a leader on the offensive line, Jack Sumner who was a leader on the defensive line, and Kacy Fields who had over 2,200 yards rushing and over thirty touchdowns; and

 

Whereas, Bryce Lybrand, who grew up in Greenwood and played football, came to Beaufort High five years ago to become the football team's offensive coordinator coach.  A year later, he became Beaufort's head coach.  His career in sports had crossed paths with the school's athletic director, Linc Lyles, who has given so much support to the school's football program; and

 

Whereas, after the game in the locker room, the coach told his players that the championship game should not be the biggest moment in their lives, but a stepping stone for the great things yet to come in their lives; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that demands strength, expertise, and determination, Coach Lybrand and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic experience and training to forge a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the gridiron; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the overwhelming pride and long-awaited recognition that the Beaufort football players have brought to their school and their community.  The members are grateful for the positive effect such programs can have on so many students, and they look forward to following continued achievements of the team and the players 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 Beaufort High School varsity football team, coaches, and school officials for a stellar season and congratulate them for winning the 2022 South Carolina Class AAA State Championship title, the first in the program's history since 1945 and the first since public school integration in 1970 when the schools of Beaufort High, Robert Smalls High, and St. Helena High merged into one school.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Carla F. Shelton and Head Coach Bryce Lybrand.

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