A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE THE WEST-OAK HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is proud to recognize the West-Oak High School wrestling team for winning the South Carolina Class AAA State Championship held at Dreher High School in Columbia on February 8, 2025; and

 

Whereas, the Warriors used a dominating performance Saturday against the fourth-ranked Aynor Blue Jackets in the Class AAA state finals, as it opened with six straight victories and dropped only three matches in a resounding 58-12 triumph to secure its fourth consecutive state championship, and its ninth in program history; and

 

Whereas, West-Oak's victory rounded out a postseason sweep of the remainder of the top five teams in Class AAA, as they also got the best of No. 2 Palmetto, No. 3 Woodruff and No. 5 Belton-Honea Path over the course of eight days to complete their four-peat; and

 

Whereas, the Warriors have a younger team this year, but all of the younger guys have stepped up to the mat and were prepared to face every team they wrestled.  All the wrestlers commit tireless hours to the weight room and show unwavering support for each other.  This solidarity has led them to become the first team in Class AAA to win four straight state titles since Eastside accomplished the feat by winning six straight from 2004-2009; and

 

Whereas, trained, encouraged, and challenged by Coach Derek Strobel and Assistant Coaches, Adam Duncan, Ian James, Al Billings, Rick McLaughlin and Matt Williams, the Warriors consistently displayed passion and perseverance throughout the season and proved they are a championship-caliber team capable of competing against the very best opponents South Carolina has to offer; and

 

Whereas, the West-Oak wrestling team has given their school and community reason to be proud of their accomplishments, and the members of the House of Representatives take great pleasure in adding their enthusiastic acclaim to this outstanding group of young athletes.  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 West-Oak High School wrestling team, coaches, and school officials on an outstanding season and honor them for winning the 2025 South Carolina Class AAA State Championship title. 

 

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

----XX----