TITLE: Congratulating the Lufkin High School boys' soccer team on winning the UIL 5A state championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Lufkin High School boys' soccer team on winning the UIL 5A state championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Lufkin High School boys' soccer team reached the pinnacle of success by winning the 2015 University Interscholastic League 5A state championship on April 18 at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown; and WHEREAS, In capturing the first soccer state crown in school history, the Panthers overcame two losses and a tie to begin the season by reeling off a remarkable 26 consecutive victories to finish with a 26-2-1 record; and WHEREAS, Lufkin's exciting run through the postseason included wins over Longview, Spruce, Mount Pleasant, Wakeland, and East High Schools to clinch their spot in the state tournament, where they shut out Memorial High School 1-0 in the semifinals to advance to the title contest; and WHEREAS, Facing off against the unbeaten squad from East View High School of Georgetown with the state championship on the line, the Panthers got early goals from Omar Zamarripa and Kacy Bennett to take a 2-1 lead into halftime; Mr. Zamarripa added a second goal after the break and the Lufkin defense did the rest, stopping several late East View scoring opportunities to secure the 3-1 triumph; and WHEREAS, Mr. Zamarripa was named Most Valuable Player of the championship game, and he was joined on the All-Tournament team by Javy Montes, Javier Patlan, and Jake Williams; the Panthers also received essential contributions throughout the season from the other members of the roster: Terry Mark, Chris Marquez, Dorian Bravo, Xavier Reyes, Cristhian Pineda, Luis Lopez, Joel Rodriguez, Gustavo Garcia, Ivan Hernandez, Omar Roque, Miguel Gonzales, Sammy Villegas, Rodrigo Vargas, Cristian Julian, Cesar Camacho, Jesus Cisneros, Bradley Slusher, and Alexis Roque; and WHEREAS, These talented student-athletes were inspired to play at the top of their game by head coach Russell Shaw and assistant coaches David McPherson and Eliazar Caldera; and WHEREAS, The members of the Lufkin High School soccer team have demonstrated exemplary teamwork and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the players and their many supporters in the local community will forever cherish the memory of this outstanding accomplishment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Lufkin High School boys' soccer team on winning the 2015 UIL 5A state championship and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; 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. Ashby Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2314 was adopted by the House on April 28, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House