TITLE: Congratulating the Marcus High School boys' water polo team on winning the 2023 UIL 6A state championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Marcus High School boys' water polo team on winning the 2023 UIL 6A state championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The boys' water polo team from Marcus High School in Flower Mound closed out an unforgettable year by winning the 6A championship at the 2023 University Interscholastic League Water Polo State Tournament; and WHEREAS, Following an outstanding performance in the regular season, Marcus continued to excel in the playoffs, dispatching Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Prosper High School, and The Woodlands High School to secure a berth in the regional finals; there, the Marauders bested Southlake Carroll 18-6, avenging a loss in the 2022 regional title game and earning their first trip to the state tournament; and WHEREAS, On October 28 at the Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio, Marcus opened the tournament against Richmond Foster High School and emerged with a 14-9 semifinal win; later in the day, the Marauders battled Boerne Champion High School for the 6A state crown; holding a commanding 7-3 lead after the first quarter, the Marcus players dominated the rest of the way to triumph by the final score of 25-12; with the victory, the Marauders became the second boys' state champion in water polo, which was sanctioned as an official UIL sport in 2022; the team ended the year with an exceptional record of 24 wins and only 2 losses; and WHEREAS, Marcus was led in the title contest by Most Valuable Player Joseph McCreary, and he was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Asher Brunner; over the course of the season, the Marauders also received valuable contributions from the other members of the roster: Cooper Smith, Owen Kroh, Cylas Dion, Kris Podsiadlo, Landon Heuer, Dylan Hayslip, Jake Bracken, Brady Tanner, Deven Lloyd, Sebastien Coutts, Austin Smerud, and Tristan Birch; these determined student-athletes were ably guided by head coach Brandon Dion and assistant coach David Conrad; and WHEREAS, Winning a state championship represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the Marcus Marauders will treasure the memory of this accomplishment for the rest of their lives; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate the Marcus High School boys' water polo team on winning the 2023 UIL 6A state championship and extend to the players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Marauders as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Thimesch Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 137 was adopted by the House on November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House