WHEREAS, The Eastern Washington University Eagles Men's basketball team has clinched a birth into the NCAA Tournament; and
     WHEREAS, The Eagles clinched the first trip to the "Big Dance" in school history with their victory over Northern Arizona University last night; and
     WHEREAS, This marked Eastern's fourth consecutive appearance in the Big Sky Conference Championship game, a feat unmatched by their competition in their conference; and
     WHEREAS, The Eagles were led to a 17-12 record, the Big Sky Conference tournament title and their regular season Big Sky title by head coach Ray Giacoletti, along with the guidance of assistants Mike Score, Carl Howell, and Brandon Rinta; and
     WHEREAS, Senior Alvin Snow led the team with 15.4 points per game, his spectacular play garnering him Most Valuable Player honors in the Big Sky Conference, while becoming the first player in school history to become a three-time first-team conference selection; and
     WHEREAS, The team was further led to victory by senior Marc Axton and junior Brendon Merritt, who joined Snow as conference first-time selections, and freshman Matt Nelson, who earned Big Sky freshman of the year honors; and
     WHEREAS, Players Josh Love, Eric Henkel, Brett Weisner, Henry Bekkering, Danny Pariseau, Jeremy McCullough, Rachi Wortham, Josh Barnard, Paul Butorac, Gregg Smith, and Khary Nichols added their own contributions, spark, and fire;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate officially recognize the Eastern Washington University Men's basketball program for their first ever appearance in the Big Dance, and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming NCAA tournament. GO EAGLES!!
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the President of Eastern Washington University, the Eagles Men's Basketball Coaching Staff and Players, and the Director of the Eastern Washington University Athletic department.