TITLE: Commending Jonathon Montanez of Franklin High School for his act of sportsmanship in a basketball game on February 12, 2013.

SUMMARY: Commending Jonathon Montanez of Franklin High School for his act of sportsmanship in a basketball game on February 12, 2013.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Jonathon Montanez, a senior at Franklin High School in El Paso, generously assisted a player on an opposing team on February 12, 2013, and his action has since been celebrated throughout the country; and WHEREAS, Mr. Montanez's play came in a basketball game against rival Coronado High School; Coronado coach Peter Morales invited his team's longtime manager, Mitchell Marcus, a senior special-needs student, to suit up for the game; and WHEREAS, In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Coach Morales sent Mr. Marcus onto the floor; his fellow Thunderbirds tried to help him score a basket, but his first efforts missed the mark, and time was quickly running out; with 13 seconds left, Franklin High had possession of the ball, and it seemed as if Mr. Marcus would not have another chance to put up a shot; and WHEREAS, Mr. Montanez was handling the inbound play for the Cougars, and instead of passing to one of his teammates, he tossed the ball to Mr. Marcus and encouraged him to shoot, telling him, "It's your time"; because of this assist, Mr. Marcus sank a basket with one second left in the game, fulfilling the young man's dream of contributing to his team's success; and WHEREAS, The story of this unforgettable play has been featured on ESPN SportsCenter and the CBS national news, and Mr. Montanez and Mr. Marcus were guests on The Ellen DeGeneres Show;moreover, Chris Paul, a member of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, flew the two young men and their families to California to watch a game, and while there, they met some of the league's top players; and WHEREAS, Recognizing that helping a fellow student was more important than the score of the game or the rivalry between the two teams, Jonathon Montanez performed a selfless act of kindness, and this outstanding young man is indeed deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend Jonathon Montanez for his remarkable demonstration of sportsmanship and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Montanez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Marquez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1464 was adopted by the House on April 24, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House