TITLE: Congratulating Jake Merrell of Valley High School on his selection as Track Athlete of the Year by the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Jake Merrell of Valley High School on his selection as Track Athlete of the Year by the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Jake Merrell of Valley High School was honored as the 2016 Track Athlete of the Year by the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony held on February 12, 2017; and WHEREAS, Over the past two years, Mr. Merrell has distinguished himself in his performances at the University Interscholastic League Track & Field State Meet, earning three individual gold medals, collecting a silver medal as part of a Valley High relay squad, and setting two state records; and WHEREAS, Mr. Merrell earned his first gold medal as a freshman in 2015, when he won the 1A 800-meter race with a time of 1 minute, 57.05 seconds; the following year, he was crowned the champion of the 800 meters again and set a new 1A state record time of 1 minute, 55.11 seconds; later that same evening, he claimed another gold medal and broke a second record by finishing the 1,600-meter race in 4:22.60; in addition, he anchored his school's 4x400-meter relay team, which finished second at the meet; and WHEREAS, Just two years into his high school track career, Jake Merrell has established himself as an exceptional runner who is furthering the proud athletic tradition of the Panhandle region, and he is indeed deserving of this prestigious accolade; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Jake Merrell on his selection as Track Athlete of the Year by the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Merrell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Springer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 894 was adopted by the House on March 23, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House