TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CARDINAL NEWMAN WRESTLING TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2014-2015 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Cardinal Newman wrestling team of Richland County took top honors at the state competition at Hammond School in Columbia on Saturday, February 7, 2015; and

Whereas, for the second season in a row, the Cardinal Newman Cardinals captured the state wrestling trophy, this year by defeating second-place Hammond School 46-30; and

Whereas, the Hammond Skyhawks won three matches by pins during the championship tournament, but the Cardinals claimed three pins and a major decision on the path to the title; and

Whereas, in a tough nonconference schedule, Cardinal Newman posted a 28-11 season record and participated in tournaments that included the Wildcat Duals at Lexington and the Silver Fox Invitational at Dutch Fork. The Cardinals enjoyed impressive wins during the season over top-twenty-ranked Class AAAA schools, including River Bluff, White Knoll, and Bluffton high schools, as well as Class A-AA state champion Battery Creek High School; and

Whereas, for second-year Head Coach Evan Moxie, this year's championship held a different appreciation from last year's because he was able to see more of his personal mark on the program; and

Whereas, a week after the team's victory, seven Cardinal wrestlers were loving the mats on Valentine's Day when they took individual championships: Matthew Hayes claimed top honors at 120 pounds, Kenyante Bush at 126, Nate Petit at 145, Nicky Winterstein at 152, Bernie Herbkersman at 160, Seth Ham at 182, and DaSean McMillian at 285; and

Whereas, Cardinal Newman did not have many senior wrestlers, but with a large number of juniors on the squad, the Cardinals hope to continue their success with a well-trained core of athletes who are setting the foundation for the future; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands mental fortitude, individual excellence, and strategy combined with strength, Coach Moxie and his skilled coaching staff employed their own athletic ability and education in building a championship team and teaching these grapplers lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the mats; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the pride and recognition that the Cardinal Newman 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 Cardinal Newman wrestling team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and congratulate them for winning the 2014-2015 South Carolina Independent School Association State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Jacqualine Kasprowski and Coach Evan Moxie.