A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND commend THE West-Oak High School Wrestling TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A stellar SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the West-Oak High wrestling team of Oconee County won the state tournament held at Dreher High School in Columbia on Saturday, February 10, 2024; and

 

Whereas, to the cheers of their faithful fans, the West-Oak Warriors defeated a fine field of comers throughout the playoffs, concluding with a victory over Gilbert High School, 52-24, to claim the team's third straight state championship title; and

 

Whereas, after being the top-ranked AAA team all season, the Warriors saw the culmination of years of discipline and the fruition of their dreams to hold on to their number one spot again; and

 

Whereas, the Warriors took three teams in Upper State competition to appear at the Upper State finals. West-Oak first defeated Blue Ridge High School, then number sixth ranked Belton-Honea Path and seventh ranked Palmetto High.  Finally, the Warriors knocked out second ranked Chester High in the Upper State finals, defeating all four teams in just five days, to earn an attempt at a third state title; and

 

Whereas, once the state match began, West-Oak picked up momentum and never faltered. The Warriors' senior heavyweight Jared Cruz took his match with a third period pin. Teammates Gunner Mease, Peyton Durham, and Teague Strobel followed with pins of their own that put the Warriors squarely in the lead, 24-0; and

 

Whereas, a decision win from A. J. DeLaCruz and another pin from freshman Sy Strobel had the Warriors close to securing the title with only half the weight classes finished. When Landon Allen finished the 144-weight division in only 39 seconds, the Warriors were confident, but Gilbert was not so sure; and

 

Whereas, two consecutive pins for the Gilbert Indians reduced the Warriors lead to 39-18, but Marcus Thaxton, one of the West-Oak's reigning individual state champions, took his opponent with a 19-3 technical fall that clinched the title on the scoreboard for the Warriors; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that demands strength, agility, and mental fortitude, Head Coach Derek Strobel and his skilled coaching staff used their own athletic experience and training to build a triple-crown championship dynasty and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the mats; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the reputation and recognition that the West-Oak wrestlers have brought to their school and their community and look forward to hearing of their continued accomplishments in the days to come.  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 commend the West-Oak High School wrestling team, coaches, and school officials for a stellar season and congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Class AAA State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Brandon Blackwell, principal of West-Oak High School, and to Coach Derek Strobel.

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