HR1237 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1237 LRB093 23961 CSA 54159 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives offer our sincere congratulations to Coach Joe Newton, the 2004 York Community High School boys cross country team, and the entire York Community High School on winning the Class AA Boys State Championship title; and

WHEREAS, The Dukes cross country team has won 24 state titles in 43 years under Coach Joseph Newton's guidance; and

WHEREAS, We congratulate Coach Joe Newton, whose tireless efforts and expertise have led the York Community High School Dukes to a remarkable three straight state championships; and

WHEREAS, We thank Assistant Coach Charlie Kern for his dedication and commitment to the York boys cross country team; and

WHEREAS, The Dukes won the Niles West Sectional in Skokie to advance their team to the Illinois High School Association state meet in Peoria on November 6th; and

WHEREAS, York runners finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the first time in history all three honors were won by a single school; and

WHEREAS, The Dukes' overall score of 56 lead them to a record 24th state championship; no other athletic team in any sport has ever accomplished this feat in Illinois high school history; and

WHEREAS, Senior Sean McNamara was the 1st place runner with a time of 14 minutes and 32 seconds, followed by junior Matt Dettman in 2nd, junior Eric Dettman in 3rd, senior Mike Arnold in 21st, sophomore Nick Kuczwara in 29th, junior David Montgomery in 75th, and senior Roger Billhardt in 137th; and

WHEREAS, The Dukes' championship cross country team also includes Mike Fry, Justin Jones, Brian Marchese, Lionel Montenegro, Tom Jung, Matt Edwards, Mark Sulkin, Alan D'Ambrogio, and Ron Stefani; and

WHEREAS, Also supporting the Dukes' drive for victory were Mike Gaska, Joey Salveggio, Greg Potoglu, and Peter McGlodrick, the team managers; and

WHEREAS, We recognize the commitment of Athletic Director Craig Davelis and the Athletic Department, as well as the entire York Community High School, in their dedication to train and educate superior athletes and well-rounded students; and

WHEREAS, These runners have made countless sacrifices to succeed in their goal of winning a third straight cross country state championship; and

WHEREAS, The York Community High School, the Elmhurst community, and friends and families are proud of these fine young athletes; and

WHEREAS, This title represents the dedication and team unity these young men have shown all season; and

WHEREAS, We recognize the talent of these young athletes and their coaches; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby offer our congratulations to Coach Joe Newton and the members of the York Community High School boys cross country team on their 24th state championship title; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Joe Newton, Superintendent Dr. Joel Morris, Principal Diana Smith, Athletic Director Craig Davelis, Assistant Coach Charlie Kern, York Community High School, and the members of the 2004 Class AA boys cross country championship team.