HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4727, by Representatives Chandler and Mulliken

      WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

      WHEREAS, Organized athletics promote in part the values necessary for scholastic and life success inasmuch as participation, contribution, and success in athletics hones, develops, and cultivates perseverance, dedication, sacrifice, teamwork, integrity, sportsmanship, loyalty, and spirit; and

      WHEREAS, Built upon these core values, the Columbia Basin Junior River Dogs Baseball Team, Babe Ruth-16 year old division, has exhibited the highest standards of achievement by winning the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament, held in Moses Lake, August 9-12, 1995; and

      WHEREAS, The Columbia Basin Junior River Dogs Baseball Team, Babe Ruth-16 year old division, went on to become Baseball National Champions, Babe Ruth-16 year old division, by defeating all national contenders, on August 26, 1995; and

      WHEREAS, The extraordinary achievements of the Columbia Basin Junior River Dogs Baseball Team, Babe Ruth-16 year old division, are due to the outstanding individual efforts of each team member; Duston Allard, Mitch Barker, Clancy Flynn, Jerry Gomez, Quirino Gonzales, Travis Ihli, Ben Kayser, Levi Meseberg, Bryan Miller, Don Swartz, Kory Thaut, and Tucker Urdahl; and

      WHEREAS, These extraordinary achievements would not have been possible without the instruction, guidance, and leadership of Jerry Thaut, Manager, Rich Childress, Coach, Glenn Allard, Coach, and Bill Barker, Coach, nor without the unequivocal support and encouragement of family and friends, community members, and fans;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington honor the highest level of excellence in achievement shown by the Columbia Basin Junior River Dogs Baseball Team, Babe Ruth-16 year old division, and for the shining example of inspiration such achievements have set for others; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to all team members, its manager, and coaches.

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

      Resolution 4727 adopted by the House of Representatives

                        February 23, 1996.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk