WHEREAS, It is the policy of the legislature to honor excellence in every field of endeavor; and
     WHEREAS, The Mercer Island High School Boys Water Polo Team won the 2002 Washington State Water Polo Championship, having outscored their opponents 142 to 34 in five tournament games; and
     WHEREAS, The 2002 Mercer Island High School Boys Water Polo Championship Team Members were John Jacobson, Tony Rona, John Wensman, Alex Strand, Davey Wes, Greg Trowbridge, Adam Massmann, Kevin Smith, Colin Sterling, Mike Smith-Bronstein, Mike Sturgis, Bill Gorin, David Myre, and Ben Easton; and
     WHEREAS, The Mercer Island Water Polo Players have exemplified to their classmates the success that is possible when clear goals are established and when persistent effort is made toward those goals;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor and congratulate the Mercer Island High School Boys Water Polo Team for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice in achieving this significant accomplishment; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Head Coach Tim Reed and Assistant Coach John Riess be recognized for their dedication, sacrifice, and leadership; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Mike Sturgis be recognized for being named the Washington State Tournament MVP; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Tony Rona, Mike Sturgis, and Ben Easton be recognized for being named to the All Tournament First Team; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Davey Wes and Alex Strand be recognized for being named to the All Tournament Second Team; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That David Myre and Kevin Smith be recognized for being named to the All Tournament Third Team; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Coach Tim Reed be recognized for being named the Washington State High School Coach of the Year; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the teachers, classmates, and parents of the team members be recognized for the important part they played in helping these student athletes excel; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Mercer Island High School Principal, Athletic Director, and to each of the coaches and members of the Mercer Island High School 2002 Boys Varsity Water Polo Team.