TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE WEST-OAK HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY WRESTLING TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2017 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the West-Oak High School wrestling team of Oconee County finished the duels season by taking top honors at the state competition held at Dreher High School in Columbia on Saturday, February 11, 2017; and

Whereas, to the exuberant cheers of their delighted fans, the West-Oak Warriors rallied to defeat a competitive team of Battery Creek High School wrestlers 34-24 to bring home the team's second state trophy in only three years and its fourth wrestling title; and

Whereas, the second-ranked Warriors were trailing the top-ranked Battery Creek Dolphins 18-15 with only three matches left, but West-Oak would surge past their opponents with a sixteen-point comeback during the final three weight classes; and

Whereas, even with Jared Smith's win by a pin at 132 pounds, the Warriors were still behind heading into the heavyweight match, but West-Oak tied the score 18-18 with that match in a 5-3 decision; and

Whereas, then the Dolphins won at 106 pounds by forfeit to take a 24-18 lead with three weight classes remaining, and when the Warrior's Jordan Lee recorded a second-period pin in the 113-weight class, the teams were even again; and

Whereas, his West-Oak teammate Justin Smith pinned his Battery Creek opponent in the 120-pound match in the first period, the team's third pin, to give the Warriors a 30-24 lead with one weight class remaining; and

Whereas, adding to previous decisions for West-Oak in the 152- and 160- and 195-pound divisions, the Warriors finished the match with a major decision at the 132-pound division to post a victory for West-Oak and a final score of 34-24. The Warriors ended their season with an impressive 25-1 tally; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands mental fortitude and individual excellence, Head Coach Greg Brewer and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic experience and passion to forge a championship-caliber team and impart lessons to these athletes that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the mats; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the West-Oak grapplers have brought to their school and their community, and the members look to hear of their continued success in the future. 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 West-Oak High School varsity wrestling team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2017 South Carolina Class AAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Kreuzberger and Coach Greg Brewer.