WHEREAS, Patrick Harlow, a junior wrestler for the Goochland High School wrestling team, won the 2024 Virginia High School League Class 3 state championship in the 215 lbs. weight class, becoming the first Bulldog wrestler in the history of the program to bring home a title; and
WHEREAS, as a freshman wrestler, Patrick Harlow demonstrated his potential and skill as he went 2–2 in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) state championship tournament; and
WHEREAS, as a sophomore wrestler, Patrick Harlow continued to show fortitude and focus as he battled to sixth place overall in the state in his weight class; and
WHEREAS, in his junior year, Patrick Harlow exploded onto the scene, dominating his opponents while amassing an amazing record of 31 wins and two losses; and
WHEREAS, in the VHSL Region 3B state qualifying tournament on February 10, 2024, Patrick Harlow continued his relentless drive to the title, posting a 4–0 record by pinning in short order Rene Urquilla Funes of Manassas Park High School, Genowa Lane of Culpeper County High School, Logan Parsons of Skyline High School in Front Royal, and Charlie Lovell of Fauquier High School; and
WHEREAS, in the VHSL Class 3 state championship tournament on February 16–17, 2024, Patrick Harlow went undefeated, pinning two of his opponents and denying his first three adversaries any points as he defeated Anthony Nolan of Northside High School in Roanoke County, Cameran Newsome of Waynesboro High School, Aaden Thomas of Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, and Keith Melton of Petersburg High School in the finals; and
WHEREAS, with another season ahead of him as a Bulldog wrestler, Patrick Harlow, who finished his junior season with an impressive career record of 82 wins and 13 losses, promises a bright future for the Bulldogs next year; and
WHEREAS, inspired by the historic efforts of Patrick Harlow and under the leadership of head coach Jeremy Wampler, the Goochland High School wrestlers, in only the ninth season of the program, put in a remarkable team effort, racking up a season dual meet record of 13 wins and three losses, which was the best record in the history of Bulldog Wrestling, and finishing ninth overall in the VHSL Class 3 state championship tournament; and
WHEREAS, a true scholar-athlete, while marching relentlessly to his first state title on the mat, Patrick Harlow also demonstrated the same focus and dedication in the classroom, maintaining an impressive 4.7 grade-point-average; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Patrick Harlow of the Goochland High School wrestling team hereby be commended on winning the 2024 Virginia High School League Class 3 state championship in the 215 lbs. weight class; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Patrick Harlow as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his dedication to excellence both on and off the mat.