A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE FORT MILL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Fort Mill High School girls cross country team won the Class AAAAA state competition, at Newberry College on Saturday, November 11, 2023; and

Whereas, amid the cheers of exuberant fans, the Fort Mill Lady Yellow Jackets won the title with 68 points, eight points ahead of runner-up Lexington; and

Whereas, the weather wasn't perfect at the 5A girls cross country state meet, but rain and a temperature in the 40s on the course didn't stop Fort Mill from putting on an excellent performance. Sophomore Alivia Cleveland was the meet's individual winner with a time of 18 minutes, 17.2 seconds, more than fifteen seconds ahead of the second-place finisher; and

Whereas, further, Fort Mill benefited from racking up four total runners in the top 20 at the meet.  After Cleveland, freshman Kaylee Rovenstine finished fifth (19:00.57), freshman Mia Zook finished 14th (19:31.59), and sophomore Avery Moriarty finished 17th (19:41.70); and

Whereas, in a sport that requires endurance, strength, and speed, Head Coach Lee Whitaker and his skilled coaching staff utilized their own athletic experience and passion to hone a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the course; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the Fort Mill Lady Yellow Jackets have brought to their school and community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the seasons to come. 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 Fort Mill High School girls cross country team, coaches, and school officials for a stellar season and congratulate them on winning the 2023 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Zachary D. Beam and Head Coach Lee Whitaker of Fort Mill High School.

----XX----