TITLE: Congratulating the Angelo State University baseball team on winning the 2023 NCAA Division II national championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Angelo State University baseball team on winning the 2023 NCAA Division II national championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A milestone in the history of Angelo State University athletics was realized in 2023 when the baseball team secured its first NCAA Division II national championship; and WHEREAS, Following an impressive performance during the regular season, the Rams clinched their third straight Lone Star Conference Tournament title for an automatic bid to the South Central Regional Tournament; defeating Metropolitan State University of Denver and The University of Texas at Tyler, Angelo State moved on to the South Central Super Regional; after sweeping Colorado Mesa University, the team advanced to the NCAA Division II College World Series in Cary, North Carolina, for the third consecutive year; and WHEREAS, ASU opened the World Series with wins over Southern New Hampshire University and North Greenville University; next, in a pivotal rematch against SNHU, the Rams prevailed 5-3 to punch their ticket to the Division II title game for the first time in program history; and WHEREAS, On June 10, Angelo State faced off against Rollins College at the USA Baseball National Training Complex; the Rams built a 6-2 lead over the first eight innings and then demonstrated great resolve after the Tars rallied to pull within one run in the ninth; with the bases loaded and the national crown on the line, ASU claimed the title with a dramatic strikeout, triumphing by the final score of 6-5; the Rams ended with an outstanding record of 56 victories and 9 losses, setting school and conference win records while claiming the university's first national championship in men's sports; and WHEREAS, The Rams were led by World Series Most Valuable Player Aaron Munson, who was joined by Kade Bragg, Justin Harris, and Kamden Kelton on the All-Tournament Team; benefiting from the able leadership of head coach Kevin Brooks and his staff, the team also received valuable contributions from the other members of the roster over the course of the year; and WHEREAS, Playing with exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork, the Angelo State Rams realized their season-long goal of becoming national champions, and their achievement will forever be a proud memory for the university's loyal fans throughout Texas and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate the Angelo State University baseball team on winning the 2023 NCAA Division II national 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 Rams as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Darby Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 43 was adopted by the House on October 25, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House