HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4799, by Representatives Regala and Conway

      WHEREAS, High school athletic programs embrace positive character attributes such as sportsmanship, community pride, self-discipline, and teamwork; and

      WHEREAS, Young people who participate in interscholastic athletics generally embody these positive character traits through a higher commitment to academics, greater diligence in attending classes, reduced drop-out rates, and fewer discipline problems; and

      WHEREAS, The Foss High School Falcons celebrated the first state basketball title in the school's history after winning the state 4A basketball tournament on March 11, 2000; and

      WHEREAS, The Falcons were led to a 21-4 regular season record under the direction of Head Coach John Ruby and his staff of assistant coaches including Owen Chambers, Frank Dearmon, Doug Dorn, Dick Hall, and Max Escalante; and

      WHEREAS, The exceptional character and supreme determination of champions were exemplified through the individual contributions of team members Marc Axton, Demetrius Crosby, Tony Doble, Kenan Joyce, Joe Knittel, Terrance Menefee, Michael Moore, Khary Nicholas, Rhett Parker, Greg Shadowvine, Rachi Wortham, and Solomon Wyatt;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commend the Foss High School basketball team, Head Coach John Ruby and his staff, Foss High School's parents and teachers, and the greater Tacoma community for their commitment to youth athletics as exemplified in the accomplishments of this year's state 4A basketball champions the Foss Falcons; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Principal Rob Lang, Athletic Director Tom Burmester, and Head Coach John Ruby.

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

    Resolution 4799 adopted by the House of Representatives

                        March 16, 2000.

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Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk