TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE BEN LIPPEN SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR CAPTURING THE 2017 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Ben Lippen cross country team of Richland County took top honors at the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) state competition held at Heathwood Hall in Columbia on October 28, 2017; and

Whereas, to the delight of their exuberant fans, the Ben Lippen Falcons tackled a fine field of competitors, overcoming their nearest rival, Cardinal Newman, by only five points to garner the state trophy with a score of 47. Heathwood Hall placed third with a score of 63, but all other teams trailed far behind; and

Whereas, the Falcons had a concerted and balanced effort with five runners inside the top thirteen, led by veteran runners Camden Abrams who placed fourth, George Baumgartner ninth, Mason Harmon tenth, and Henry Long. Seventh grader Samari Van Horn passed several Cardinal Newman runners in the last mile to place thirteenth and help to deliver the win for Ben Lippen; and

Whereas, the Falcons stood 42-4 against SCISA competition during the season, and Camden Abrams was named to All State and All Region, while teammates George Baumgartner, Mason Harmon, Henry Long, and Samari Van Horn were All-Region athletes; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands endurance, strength, and speed, Head Coach Thomas Fisher and his experienced coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic ability and training to forge a championship team and instill lessons that will prove invaluable to these athletes throughout life both on and off the track; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the respect and distinction that the Ben Lippen runners have brought to their school and their community and look to hear of their continued achievements in the days 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 Ben Lippen School boys cross country team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for capturing the 2017 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 3A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Headmaster Tony Fajardo and Coach Thomas Fisher.