WHEREAS, the triumphant 2009 Altavista High School football team capped a winning season by taking home the Virginia High School League Group A, Division 1, state football championship on December 12, 2009, at Salem City Stadium; and

WHEREAS, the Altavista High School Colonels (13 - 1) defeated the J. I. Burton High School Raiders 27 - 7 for the team's first state championship title in football in the school's history; and

WHEREAS, the Colonels, led by five seniors, quickly took charge of the championship game, scoring in the first five minutes; the team continued to dominate, scoring two additional touchdowns before halftime, and a final touchdown in the fourth quarter to clinch the title before an enthusiastic crowd; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Mike Scharnus and 11 Altavista players—Johnny Wimbish, Mike Robinson, Tavonne Payne, Chris Clark, Jerrell Jordan, Blake Todd, Jarrod Hunt, Lee Miller, Daelyn Myers, Winston O'Brien, and Shane Collins—received postseason awards; and

WHEREAS, the entire team displayed extraordinary discipline and focus throughout the year; the Colonels last had a winning season in 1998, but under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Scharnus, the team refocused on building strength and endurance; and

WHEREAS, the team members, coaching staff, and Altavista community saw the fruits of the team's hard work and dedication as the Colonels won game after game, the Region B championship, and the state championship game; and

WHEREAS, the exemplary performance of the 2009 Colonels is a tribute to the talent, dedication, and perseverance of the players; the leadership of Head Coach Mike Scharnus and his staff; and the support of the students, parents, and faculty of Altavista High School and the Altavista community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend the Altavista High School football team on its outstanding 2009 season and Group A, Division 1, state title; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Mike Scharnus as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the championship performance of the Altavista High School football team.