Bill Text: VA HJR584 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Roanoke Catholic School football team.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-4)
Status: (Passed) 2017-01-20 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ584ER) [HJR584 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-HJR584-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Catholic School football team claimed their second Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III state championship in three years on November 18, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Catholic School Celtics defeated the unbeaten Quantico High School Warriors 38 - 21 in a title game where the Celtics dominated on offense with 387 rushing yards; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Celtics built a 22 - 7 halftime lead thanks to an opening pair of running touchdowns by fullback Mykah English and a 25-yard touchdown run by standout running back Jemel Tyree; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Celtics effectively put away the game in the third quarter when receiver/defensive back Chris Pyle scored from 27-yards out and Mykah English scored another touchdown, and the Roanoke Celtics made two-point conversions after both scores; and
WHEREAS, after the Warriors scored two touchdowns late in the third quarter, the Roanoke Celtics' defense rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter, keeping the Warriors off of the scoreboard the rest of the game; and
WHEREAS, Mykah English led the Roanoke Celtics with 187 yards on 31 attempts with three rushing touchdowns, despite sustaining an injury in the first half; running back Jemel Tyree, who was also injured, had 10 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown; and
WHEREAS, all members of the Roanoke Catholic School football team contributed to the championship victory; throughout the season they displayed an enviable level of desire, preparation, and laser-like focus on winning another state championship after winning in 2014 but coming up short of defending their title in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke Celtics coach Bob Price, the VISAA Division III Coach of the Year, pushed the team to improve and to overcome a lot of adversity during the season; with several players injured other team members had to step up, and the team showed a lot of maturity in playing through their obstacles; and
WHEREAS, Roanoke Celtics players Ethan Wright, Jemel Tyree, Jacob Elliott, and Ian McInnis won VISAA Division III 1st Team All-State honors, and Jemel Tyree was named Co-Player of the Year; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Celtics could not have achieved the championship victory without the love and support of the entire Roanoke Catholic School community, the players' parents and families, and the Roanoke Valley community at large; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Roanoke Catholic School football team for winning the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III state championship; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bob Price, Roanoke Catholic School football coach, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the team's amazing resolve in achieving their goal of winning another state championship.
