WHEREAS, The Spokane Valley and all of Eastern Washington are proud of the sports teams that represent the area with pride and honor; and
     WHEREAS, We recognize the dedication and perseverance required to be a successful junior athlete; and
     WHEREAS, The Spokane Valley Bengals football team has made Eastern Washington especially proud with their achievements; and
     WHEREAS, The Bengals football team is a powerhouse group of eighteen boys aged seven to nine; and
     WHEREAS, The Bengals were just one of eight elite "Mighty Mite" teams chosen by Pop Warner scouts from across the nation to play in the National Championship; and
     WHEREAS, The Bengals became the National Champions by beating the New York Irondequoit Eagles by a score of 28-6; and
     WHEREAS, The Bengals were led to victory while playing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida by head coach Ryan Anstrom, manager Jennifer Anstrom, and assistants Matt Schneider, Todd Carlson, Abel Delarosa, and Collin Anderson; and
     WHEREAS, The Bengals held just a one-point lead over the Irondequoit Eagles with five minutes left to play; and
     WHEREAS, In the remaining five minutes of play, the Bengals proved their talents yet again by scoring an additional 21 points to defeat the opposing team; and
     WHEREAS, The team members were Jacob Abshire, Shay Albrecht, Jaxon Anderson, Kyler Anstrom, Chad Carlson, A.J. Delarosa, Bryden Dodson, Travis Hood, Hunter Hottman, Conner Hunnel, Taylor Jennings, Damonte McQueen, Trent Nauta, Jack Schneider, Nicholas Toole, Sawyer Tracht, Bailey Wilson, and Ariel Zilar; and
     WHEREAS, The teams earned this trip by finishing their 2011 season undefeated with a season total of 280 points scored; and
     WHEREAS, The Bengals exemplified the excellence in athletics and determination for success that Spokane Valley and all of Eastern Washington hold in high regard; and
     WHEREAS, The Bengals have proven that the success and distinction of the Spokane area sports team knows no age;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That it is with great respect that the Washington State Senate honor the accomplishments and excellence exemplified by the 2011 Spokane Valley Bengals football team for winning the National Championship title; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the coaches and players of the Spokane Valley Bengals.