HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-4640, by Representatives Parker, Buys, Gregory, Fagan, Haler, Schmick, Shea, Short, Young, MacEwen, and Holy

WHEREAS, The Gonzaga University Men's Basketball Team completed the NCAA Division I 2014-15 season with a record of 35-3 (a GU record for wins), claiming the West Coast Conference Regular-season Championship and the West Coast Conference Tournament Championship; and

WHEREAS, The Team made its 17th straight NCAA Tournament appearance, reaching the Elite Eight before being defeated by the eventual national champions; and

WHEREAS, Individual team members and coaches have been distinguished with accolades and awards including Kevin Pangos - WCC Player of the Year; Gary Bell, Jr. – WCC Defender of the Year; Kyle Wiltjer – WCC Newcomer of the Year; Przemek Karnowski – First Team All-WCC; Mark Few – WCC Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Head coach Mark Few has amassed 437 wins in just 16 years, against 103 losses, an 80.9 winning percentage, the highest among active Division I college coaches; and

WHEREAS, The Gonzaga University Women's Basketball Team completed its NCAA Division I 2014-15 season with a 26-8 record, earning the West Coast Conference Regular-season Championship, their 11th straight title; and

WHEREAS, The team made its 7th straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16, finishing the season ranked number 19 in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Two players were named First Team All-WCC: Sunny Greinacher and Elle Tinkle; five players have been named to the WCC All-Academic team: Sunny Greinacher; Elle Tinkle; Shelby Cheslek; Shaniqua Nilles; and Lindsay Sherbert; and

WHEREAS, First-year head coach Lisa Fortier was named WCC Co-Coach of the Year and NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Over the past five years, 100 percent of men's and women's seniors on Gonzaga University basketball teams have graduated;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express its thanks and appreciation to the players, coaches, staff, and fans of Gonzaga University basketball for their competitive spirit and inspirational efforts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the value of the example set by these players as student-athletes, and the fun and excitement of collegiate athletics as a reflection of community pride and support for young people everywhere; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the President of Gonzaga University and the Governor of the State of Washington.