A house RESOLUTION

TO HONOR THE CATAWBA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FOR A SUPERB SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAM MEMBERS AND THEIR COACHES ON WINNING THE 2023 CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Whereas, the Catawba Ridge High School boys cross country team experienced a banner year, much to the delight of their fans and the disappointment of their rivals. In ultimate testimony to their achievements, on Friday, November 10, 2023, the Catawba Ridge boys cross country runners seized the 2023 Class AAAA State Championship title; and

Whereas, in a performance that enabled the Copperheads to pack up hardware only champions get to take home, Catawba Ridge racked up 113 points to beat second-place Bluffton's score of 125; and

Whereas, further, all season long the Catawba Ridge boys cross country team has quietly been a strong one. On November 10, the team's runners showed just how strong when they sprinted all the way to the 4AAAA state title at the Newberry College cross country course; and

Whereas, with three "top 15" finishers setting the pace for the school, Catawba Ridge was led by Max Conetta with a seventh-place finish (16:38), followed by Ryan Pierson at 10th place (16:42), and Jordan Kent in 13th place (16:43). All three made the All-State team. Aiden Rogers was 33rd for the Copperheads (17:28), and Brady Laurin was 66th (18:10), to round out the scoring for Catawba Ridge; and

Whereas, having honed their runners into a championship machine, Head Coach Matt Osmulski and his skilled assistant coaches saw the fruit of their labors as the title trophy was hoisted; and

Whereas, grateful for their excellence, the House takes much pleasure in recognizing the Catawba Ridge High School boys cross country team, and the members look with interest to learning of their future accomplishments. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the Catawba Ridge High School boys cross country team for a superb season and congratulate the team members and their coaches on winning the 2023 Class AAAA State Championship.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Barry Ledford and Head Coach Matt Osmulski of Catawba Ridge High School.

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