WHEREAS, the Virginia Union University football team won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship on November 11, 2023, in Salem; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Union University Panthers defeated the reigning champion Fayetteville State University Broncos by a score of 21–10 to capture the program's first state championship title since 2001; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Union Panthers jumped out to an early 14–0 lead that they never relinquished, grinding down their opponent with a stifling defense and unrelenting run game; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Union Panthers' stout defense impressively held its opponent to only seven first downs and 34 yards rushing in the game and saw a combined four and half sacks from Isaac Anderson, Armonii Burden, Jah'Ke Hilliard, and Jabrill Norman; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Union Panthers' deft offense was key to the win, with tailback Jada Byers notching 135 yards and two scores to go along with quarterback Christian Reid's one-yard rushing touchdown; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Union Panthers' triumph was a redemptive moment for a team that had suffered its only loss of the regular season to the Fayetteville State Broncos earlier in the year; and

WHEREAS, for the first time since 2015, the Virginia Union Panthers earned a bid to compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 2 playoffs at the end of the season; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of their superlative achievement, members of the Virginia Union University football team were honored in 2023 by the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), including Special Teams Player of the Year Brady Myers, Offensive Lineman of the Year Justin Meade, and Coach of the Year Alvin Parker; and

WHEREAS, several of the Virginia Union Panthers received First-Team All-CIAA accolades as a result of their play this season, including tight end Kalen Carver, offensive linemen Justin Meade and Jamaree Moyer, running back Jada Byers, place kicker Brady Myers, defensive lineman Isaac Anderson, and linebacker Shamar Graham; and

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of the Virginia Union Panthers are the result of the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of their coaches and professors, and the unwavering support of their families and the entire Virginia Union University community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Virginia Union University football team hereby be commended for winning the 2023 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Alvin Parker, head coach of the Virginia Union University football team, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the team's success.