HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4737, by Representatives Chandler, Mulliken and Hatfield

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

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

        WHEREAS, Built upon these core values, the Central Washington University Wildcats football team has exhibited the highest standards of achievement during the 1995 football season, wherein the Central Wildcats earned and share the 1995 title of National Champions, NAIA-Division 2; and

        WHEREAS, The Champion Wildcats began the season ranked 25th, and even disappeared from national rankings, though the Champion Wildcats showed true grit on the gridiron, fighting setbacks and adversity, ending the 1995 season with a six-game winning streak, and on the way to earning a spot in the play-offs set an incredible seventy-two new school records, twenty-eight new Columbia Football Association Records, and an amazing nine new National records; and

        WHEREAS, During the play-offs, the Central Wildcats continued their amazing season with a blazing victory over the number one ranked team, Western Washington University, and also went on to soundly defeat Hardin/Simmons in Texas, the University of Mary from North Dakota, to ultimately earn and share the 1995  National Championship Title with the University of Findlay; and

        WHEREAS, Although the extraordinary achievements of the Central Wildcats are due to the outstanding individual efforts of each and every team member, worthy of special note are "All-American" team members, John Kitna, Quarterback; Kenny Russaw, Wide Receiver; Mugagga "Andy" Lwanga, Outside Linebacker; and Scott LeMaster, Inside Linebacker; and

        WHEREAS, These extraordinary achievements would not have been possible without the instruction, guidance, and leadership of Jeff Zenisek, recognized for his exemplary talents by being named the 1995 National Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Quarterly, nor without the unequivocal support and encouragement of the Central Washington University student body, faculty, and staff, alumni, family and friends, community members, benefactors, and fans;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the highest level of excellence in achievement shown by the Champion Wildcats and for the shining example of inspiration such achievements have set for others; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the President of Central Washington University, the Athletic Director of Central Washington University, the Coach of the Central Washington University Wildcats, and to each Wildcat team member.

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

              Resolution 4737 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                  March 4, 1996.

                         ________________________________

                          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk