H.R. No. 43
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
       WHEREAS, A milestone in the history of Angelo State
University athletics was realized in 2023 when the baseball team
secured its first NCAA Division II national championship; and
       WHEREAS, Following an impressive performance during the
regular season, the Rams clinched their third straight Lone Star
Conference Tournament title for an automatic bid to the South
Central Regional Tournament; defeating Metropolitan State
University of Denver and The University of Texas at Tyler, Angelo
State moved on to the South Central Super Regional; after sweeping
Colorado Mesa University, the team advanced to the NCAA Division II
College World Series in Cary, North Carolina, for the third
consecutive year; and
       WHEREAS, ASU opened the World Series with wins over Southern
New Hampshire University and North Greenville University; next, in
a pivotal rematch against SNHU, the Rams prevailed 5-3 to punch
their ticket to the Division II title game for the first time in
program history; and
       WHEREAS, On June 10, Angelo State faced off against Rollins
College at the USA Baseball National Training Complex; the Rams
built a 6-2 lead over the first eight innings and then demonstrated
great resolve after the Tars rallied to pull within one run in the
ninth; with the bases loaded and the national crown on the line, ASU
claimed the title with a dramatic strikeout, triumphing by the
final score of 6-5; the Rams ended with an outstanding record of 56
victories and 9 losses, setting school and conference win records
while claiming the university's first national championship in
men's sports; and
       WHEREAS, The Rams were led by World Series Most Valuable
Player Aaron Munson, who was joined by Kade Bragg, Justin Harris,
and Kamden Kelton on the All-Tournament Team; benefiting from the
able leadership of head coach Kevin Brooks and his staff, the team
also received valuable contributions from the other members of the
roster over the course of the year; and
       WHEREAS, Playing with exceptional skill, determination, and
teamwork, the Angelo State Rams realized their season-long goal of
becoming national champions, and their achievement will forever be
a proud memory for the university's loyal fans throughout Texas and
beyond; now, therefore, be it
       RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate the Angelo
State University baseball team on winning the 2023 NCAA Division II
national championship and extend to the players, coaches, and staff
sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
       RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Rams as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
 
Darby
______________________________
Speaker of the House     
 
       I certify that H.R. No. 43 was adopted by the House on October
25, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House