House: Murphy

Attorney: Good

Drafting Assistant: Charlton

Date: January 17, 2024

DOC. ID.: /LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL/DG/DRAFTS/LC-0334DG-GM24/LC-0334DG-GM24.DOCX

A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Pinewood Preparatory school boys varsity soccer TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA Independent School Association CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Pinewood Prep soccer team of Dorchester County captured the state title at the state championship game hosted by Cardinal Newman School in Columbia on May 13, 2023; and

Whereas, to the delight of their faithful fans, the Pinewood Panthers defeated the fine, competitive Oakbrook Knights, 2-1 in an overtime victory; and

Whereas, although the Knights posted the first goal about a half an hour into the low-scoring game, it would be the only time the ball got past the Panthers' goal keeper Coleman Faulkerson that day; and

Whereas, about twenty minutes into the second half, the Panthers were awarded a free kick, and Pinewood's senior captain Shane DaRe launched the ball from way out and zipped it over the keeper and into the net for a 1-1 tie; and

Whereas, both teams failed to score again in regulation later in the match, even though each had created some possibilities.  Late in the first overtime period, Pinewood senior Deshaun Mitchell crossed a ball to junior Benny Hayward, and he honed it in for the game-winning goal; and

Whereas, Pinewood finished the season with a 20-3 record under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Luke Williams; and

Whereas, the team roster also included Walker Murray, Harrison Reagin, Dylen Gauthier, Alex Hylton, Michael Quick, Matteo Kingan, Cody Rea, Hughston Reagin, Nolan Diffley, Casimir McMullan, Michael Burnett, Ben Wenschuch, Josh Danielson, Nico Rivera, and Jack Burnett; and

Whereas, to make the state victory so much sweeter for Pinewood, the Lady Panthers soccer team also won their state championship on May 13, the first time since 2010 that both Pinewood teams had won in the state finals; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands speed, agility, and accuracy, Coach Williams and his skilled coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic ability and experience to build a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the pitch; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the pride and recognition that the Pinewood soccer players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Pinewood Preparatory School boys varsity soccer team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and congratulate them for winning the 2023 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 3A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Daniel Seiden, head of school, and to Coach Luke Williams.

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