A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Catawba Ridge high school varsity baseball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Catawba Ridge baseball team of York County captured the state title after the last game of the state series held on Friday, May 26, 2023; and

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans who came out in full force, the Catawba Ridge Copperheads defeated a fine, competitive North Myrtle Beach High School to take the team's first state trophy in the school's four-year history.  Making their victory all the sweeter was that the Catawba Ridge softball team had won their state championship the night before; and

Whereas, in the best two-of-three series, the North Myrtle Beach Chiefs won the first game on Monday night, making the next two games must-wins for the Copperheads; and

Whereas, after succeeding in game 2 on Wednesday night, Catawba Ridge was down 3-2 in the third game heading into the bottom of the third inning, but Copperheads Jackson Mullen and Britton Nash each drove in a run with timely hits to give the team a 4-3 lead to close the third inning; and

Whereas, with a strong pitching staff and defensive lineup, Catawba Ridge held the Chiefs to their early 3, and in the fifth inning, the Copperheads drove in runs from hits by Britton Nash, Ben Wilson, and Brennan Helms that put them ahead 7-3, the score that would win the program its first state championship; and 

Whereas, Catawba Ridge finished the season with a 29-7 record, a Region 3 AAAA championship, and the South Carolina state title; and

Whereas, in a sport that exacts strength, strategy, and skill, Head Coach Stas Swerdzewski and his skilled coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic ability and training to forge a championship team and teach these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the diamond; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the Catawba Ridge baseball players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their future 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 honor the Catawba Ridge High School varsity baseball team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2023 South Carolina Class AAAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Barry Ledford and Coach Stas Swerdzewski.

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