TITLE: Congratulating the Kilgore High School boys' soccer team on winning the 2016-2017 UIL 4A state championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Kilgore High School boys' soccer team on winning the 2016-2017 UIL 4A state championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Kilgore High School boys' soccer team capped a storybook season by winning the University Interscholastic League 4A state championship held in Georgetown on April 14, 2017; and WHEREAS, A four-time qualifier for the state tournament, the Kilgore team made a triumphant return this year by dispatching opponents from Mineola, Texarkana Pleasant Grove, and Palestine High Schools, Dallas A+ Academy, and Carrollton Ranchview, Progreso, and Houston Washington High Schools to reach the finals against Bridgeport High School; and WHEREAS, In the dramatic title contest, the Bulldogs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as Wanya McIntyre and Elian Torres each punched in goals, but Bridgeport evened the score before halftime; both offenses fell silent in the second period and then during two rounds of overtime, eventually forcing a penalty kick shootout; after each squad notched two points, Kilgore goalkeeper and tournament MVP Kaleb Jett reeled in the next two Bridgeport attempts, while his teammates Jesus Gonzalez and Raul Cedillo hit the net on consecutive kicks to clinch the victory by a final score of 3-2; with this impressive triumph, the Bulldogs not only finished the season with a record of 21 wins, 5 losses, and 2 ties but also brought home the first soccer state crown in school history; and WHEREAS, Demonstrating exemplary teamwork throughout the season, the Bulldogs received essential contributions from the other members of the roster: Jackson Hatcher, Brandon Espinoza, Jordi Contreras, Jose Gonzalez, Diego Huerta, David Garcia, Jose Arrendondo, Yoni Contreras, Jovany Gonzalez, Noe Zavaleta, Jaime Veloz, Mateo Meraz, Daniel Sifford, and Tucker Konczak; these talented athletes were skillfully guided by head coach Austin Walker and his staff, athletic trainer Darrell "Red" Ganus and student manager-trainers Carlos Godoy, Brandon Mayers, and Josue Reyes; and WHEREAS, With their exceptional ability and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Kilgore Bulldogs proved themselves the premier 4A squad in the Lone Star State, and they are a source of tremendous pride to their classmates and their many supporters in the local community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Kilgore High School boys' soccer team on winning the 2016-2017 UIL 4A state 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 team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Dean Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1856 was adopted by the House on May 12, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House