TITLE: Recognizing the Kilgore High School boys' soccer team for winning a state championship.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Kilgore High School boys' soccer team for winning a state championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Kilgore High School boys' soccer team reached the pinnacle of success by claiming the 2017 University Interscholastic League 4A state championship on April 14 at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown; and WHEREAS, The championship victory closed out an unforgettable season in which the Bulldogs compiled an overall record of 21 wins, 5 losses, and 2 ties; after a strong showing in regular season play, the team carried its momentum into the playoffs, besting Mineola, Texarkana, Pleasant Grove, and Palestine High Schools in the opening rounds; a 6-2 triumph over Dallas A+ Academy took Kilgore to the regional finals, where the squad defeated Carrollton Ranchview to earn a third consecutive berth in the state tournament; and WHEREAS, Following a dominant 4-0 shutout over Booker T. Washington High School in the semifinal round, the Bulldogs faced off against Bridgeport High School in the finals; although Kilgore took an early lead in the hard-fought title match, the two teams entered halftime tied at 2-2; a series of near misses kept the score even throughout the second half and into overtime, forcing a penalty-kick shootout in which the Bulldogs outscored Bridgeport four goals to two, securing a 3-2 victory and the state crown; and WHEREAS, Excelling with a true team effort, Kilgore received valuable contributions throughout the season from each member of the roster: Jose Arrendondo, Raul Cedillo, Jordi Contreras, Yonaton Contreras, Brandon Espinoza, David Garcia, Jesus Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez, Jovany Gonzalez, Jackson Hatcher, Diego Huerta, Kaleb Jett, Tucker Konczak, Wanya McIntyre, Mateo Meraz, Daniel Sifford, Elian Torres, Jaime Veloz, and Noe Zavaleta; these determined student-athletes were ably guided by head coach Austin Walker and assistant coach Mark Roskos, and the team also benefited from the contributions of manager Carlos Godoy, athletic trainer Darrell Ganus, student trainer Brandon Mayers, and videographer Josue Reyes; and WHEREAS, Winning a state championship represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the members of the Kilgore High School boys' soccer team will treasure the memory of this accomplishment for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby congratulate the Kilgore High School boys' soccer team on winning the 2017 University Interscholastic League 4A state championship and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 26, 2017.