TITLE: Congratulating the Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team on winning the 2017 NAIA Division I national championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team on winning the 2017 NAIA Division I national championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team furthered its tradition of success on the hardwood by winning the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I national championship on March 21, 2017, at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri; and WHEREAS, The Rams' outstanding play began early in the season, and they claimed the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season crown with a stellar 13-5 record in conference play; taking that momentum into the national tournament, the squad dispatched opponents from the University of the Cumberlands, The Master's University, Dalton State College, and William Penn University to set up a championship battle against Life University; and WHEREAS, Taking charge from the outset, the Rams established a commanding 35-23 lead in the first half; they then held off a resurgent Eagles offense after the intermission to win by a final score of 86-76, claiming the second national title in the university's history; and WHEREAS, Pacing the group was senior guard Dion Rogers, who received the Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player Award after tallying 28 points and 8 rebounds; he was joined on the All-Tournament Team by fellow Rams Najeal Young, a senior guard, and Ryan Harris, a junior guard; and WHEREAS, Throughout the season, the squad also received valuable contributions from the other members of the roster: Chier Ajou, Pat Listach, Naiel Smith, Jalil Francois, Trevon Jeffery, Chris Alexander, Praneeth Udumalagala, Demarcus Emanuel, Jeremy Crane, Peyton Prudhomme, Shaun Rost, and Jacob Lopez; these exceptional athletes benefited from the skilled guidance of head coach Brennen Shingleton, associate head coach Matt Garnett, assistant coach Orlando Carrillo, and student assistants Larry Wilson and Sam Akano; and WHEREAS, Winning a national championship represents the culmination of countless hours of training and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the members of the Texas Wesleyan University basketball team will carry the memory of this accomplishment with them for the rest of their lives; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team on winning the 2017 NAIA Division I national championship and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for the future; 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. Romero, Jr. Collier Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1355 was adopted by the House on April 27, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House