HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4699, by Representatives Talcott, Pelesky, L. Thomas and Chandler

       WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to honor excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

       WHEREAS, Organized athletics promote, in part, the values necessary for success in life and scholarship because participation, contribution, and success in athletics hones, develops, and cultivates perseverance, dedication, sacrifice, teamwork, integrity, sportsmanship, loyalty, and spirit; and

       WHEREAS, Built upon these core values, the Curtis High School Vikings football team has exhibited the highest standards of achievement as Curtis became the state's first Class AAA football team to capture three state titles, adding to the championships in 1989 and 1990; and

       WHEREAS, The Vikings also established three compelling new state records; to wit:  Setting the "Most Points Scored" record in a single game with the new Vikings' record of forty-nine points; setting the "Largest Margin of Victory" record with the new Vikings' record of a forty-two point margin of victory; setting the "Most Points Scored in a Single Quarter" record with the new Vikings' record of twenty-eight points scored in a single quarter; and

       WHEREAS, Although the Vikings' victory is due to the contribution of each and every team member, coach, and staff, the exceptional contributions of certain individual team members warrant special portrayal; and

       WHEREAS, Quarterback Matt Salzman especially contributed to the Vikings' victory by completing three remarkable touchdown passes, one for sixty yards to running back Jake Sampson, one for twenty yards to tight end Jeff Cowart, and one for thirteen yards to wide receiver Ryan Wakefield; and

       WHEREAS, Running back Jake Sampson especially contributed to the Vikings' victory by receiving two passes for sixty-four yards and a touchdown pass, but also scored the final touchdown on the final play of the third quarter with a blazing forty-four yard dash; and

       WHEREAS, Running back Elijah Baker especially contributed to the Vikings' victory by carrying the ball six times for a total of one hundred fifty-three yards and scoring a touchdown on an eighty yard scamper late in the third quarter;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the highest level of excellence shown by the Curtis High School Vikings football team and for the outstanding and shining example it has set for others by achieving its third victory in the Class AAA State Championships; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Principal of Curtis High School, to each member of the Vikings football team, and to the coaches and staff.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4699 adopted by the House of Representatives

                            February 19, 1996.

                     ________________________________

                      Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk