A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE RIVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM FOR AN IMPRESSIVE SEASON AND TO CELEBRATE THE GATORS' CAPTURE OF THE 2023 CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the River Bluff High School baseball team claimed the 2023 Class AAAAA State Championship with a 9-7 victory over Blythewood; and

Whereas, sweeping the best-of-three championship series, River Bluff earned its first baseball state title in program history; and

Whereas, after a wild start on Wednesday, the River Bluff team needed someone to calm things down. Andrew Vaughan was ready for the challenge. The right-handed pitcher didn't allow a run over the final five innings, and the Gators scored twice in the top of the seventh to defeat the Bengals; and

Whereas, it's the school's ninth state title within the Athletic Department since the Lexington County school opened ten years ago; and

Whereas, over the course of the season, Head Coach Mark Bonnette, using his own considerable athletic training and skills, built his players into championship-caliber athletes and encouraged them not to settle for second best; and

Whereas, proud of these fine student athletes, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the recognition the River Bluff High School baseball players have brought to their school and community, and the members look to hear of many more triumphs for the team in coming seasons. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the River Bluff High School baseball team for an impressive season and celebrate the Gators' capture of the 2023 Class AAAAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Jacob Smith and Head Coach Mark Bonnette of River Bluff High School.

----XX----