HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 194 Offered January 18, 2006 Commending the Turner Ashby High School football team. ---------- Patrons-- Lohr, Landes and Saxman; Senators: Hanger and Obenshain ----------

WHEREAS, for the first time in the school's 50-year history, the students, staff, and supporters of Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater can boast of a state high school football championship; and

WHEREAS, the Knights from Turner Ashby High School captured the 2005 Virginia High School League, Group AA, Division 3 state championship and became the first team from Rockingham County to win a state football title; and

WHEREAS, the 2005 Knights, who finished with a record of 12-2, defeated top-seeded John Handley High School, 22-21, to capture the Region II championship; and

WHEREAS, the Knights followed up on that stirring victory by defeating a strong team from James Monroe High School, 27-21, to qualify for the state title game at Liberty University in Lynchburg against the undefeated Blue Tornado from Richlands High School; and

WHEREAS, relying on a powerful running game, stout defense, and opportunistic special teams, the Turner Ashby Knights prevailed, 27-13, gaining 251 yards rushing against the top-ranked defense in the state; and

WHEREAS, the unprecedented success of the Turner Ashby High School Knights is a tribute to the leadership of Head Coach Charlie Newman and his staff; the talent, hard work, and teamwork of the athletes; and the sustained and enthusiastic support of the Bridgewater community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate the 2005 Turner Ashby High School Knights on their first-ever Group AA, Division 3 state championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Charlie Newman in recognition of the historic success of the 2005 Turner Ashby High School football team.