HR0590 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0590 LRB099 12755 MST 36560 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the Rockford Christian High School baseball team, the Royal Lions, on winning the 2015 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Division 2A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, This is the first-ever State championship in Rockford Christian High School history; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions had a phenomenal regular season; between April 16th and May 12th, they completed a 16-game win streak, riding hot bats and stellar pitching toward the post-season; the team ended the regular season with a record of 29 wins and 6 losses; and

WHEREAS, The first regional game was played in Pecatonica on May 20th against North Boone; the Royal Lions won the game 10-0 and advanced to the regional final where they faced Warren, winning 5-4 and clinching the team's first regional title in school history; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions advanced to the sectionals in Byron where they faced Morrison, defeating them in 8 innings 2-0; in the sectional finals, they faced Forreston and beat them 6-3; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions continued their hot streak into the super-sectionals at Augustana College where they met Carthage (Illini West); Carthage proved to be a tough opponent for the Royal Lions but they prevailed, defeating Carthage 6-5; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions made it to the school's first-ever State championship series; the semi-final game was June 5th in Peoria at Dozer Park against Peru St. Bede; pitcher, Alec Powell took the mound and the Royal Lions found themselves trailing early in the game, giving up 1 run in the top of the first with the aid of an error; the Royal Lions tied the game in the 3rd inning when Jake McClellin singled home Nick Frahm; Alec Powell pitched 6 innings, striking out 10 opposing batters before Nolan Gazsouski stepped in to pitch; the Royal Lions needed 2 extra-innings before Satchel Daleo hit a walk-off RBI, scoring Alec Powell and giving the Royal Lions a win, sending them to the State championship game; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions faced the Williamsville Bullets on June 6th; senior, Brandon Williams and Jake Kellerman led the Royal Lions in the championship game; Brandon Williams pitched 6 2/3 innings while Jake Kellerman went 2 for 3 at the plate with 2 home-runs and 4 RBI; Nolan Gazsouski came in to record the final out of the game and the Royal Lions defeated the Bullets 6-2, winning the first State championship title for Rockford Christian High School; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions finished the season with a record of 36 wins and 6 losses; 6 seniors will graduate this summer, but the Royal Lions look to return next season and defend their IHSA Division 2A State Baseball Title; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions are, Jake McClellan, Luke Joiner, Nick Frahm, Alec Nicoll, Bryan Truitt, Nolan Gazsouski, Jake Kellerman, Brandon Williams, Jacob Gugle, Caleb Bubnack, Payton Gustafson, Alex Powell, David Prisby, Cameron Santolino, Satchel Daleo, and Neil Thomas; and

WHEREAS, The Royal Lions are led by Head Coach Mike McClellan and Assistant Coach Dan Bogdonas; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Rockford Christian High School Royal Lions on their 2015 Illinois High School Association Division 2A State Baseball Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Royal Lions as a symbol of our respect and esteem.