H.R. No. 137
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
       WHEREAS, The boys' water polo team from Marcus High School in
Flower Mound closed out an unforgettable year by winning the 6A
championship at the 2023 University Interscholastic League Water
Polo State Tournament; and
       WHEREAS, Following an outstanding performance in the regular
season, Marcus continued to excel in the playoffs, dispatching
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Prosper High School,
and The Woodlands High School to secure a berth in the regional
finals; there, the Marauders bested Southlake Carroll 18-6,
avenging a loss in the 2022 regional title game and earning their
first trip to the state tournament; and
       WHEREAS, On October 28 at the Josh Davis Natatorium in San
Antonio, Marcus opened the tournament against Richmond Foster High
School and emerged with a 14-9 semifinal win; later in the day, the
Marauders battled Boerne Champion High School for the 6A state
crown; holding a commanding 7-3 lead after the first quarter, the
Marcus players dominated the rest of the way to triumph by the final
score of 25-12; with the victory, the Marauders became the second
boys' state champion in water polo, which was sanctioned as an
official UIL sport in 2022; the team ended the year with an
exceptional record of 24 wins and only 2 losses; and
       WHEREAS, Marcus was led in the title contest by Most Valuable
Player Joseph McCreary, and he was joined on the All-Tournament
Team by Asher Brunner; over the course of the season, the Marauders
also received valuable contributions from the other members of the
roster: Cooper Smith, Owen Kroh, Cylas Dion, Kris Podsiadlo, Landon
Heuer, Dylan Hayslip, Jake Bracken, Brady Tanner, Deven Lloyd,
Sebastien Coutts, Austin Smerud, and Tristan Birch; these
determined student-athletes were ably guided by head coach Brandon
Dion and assistant coach David Conrad; and
       WHEREAS, Winning a state championship represents the
culmination of countless hours of hard work and an unwavering
commitment to excellence, and the Marcus Marauders will treasure
the memory of this accomplishment for the rest of their lives; now,
therefore, be it
       RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate the Marcus
High School boys' water polo team on winning the 2023 UIL 6A state
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 Marauders as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
 
Thimesch
______________________________
Speaker of the House     
 
       I certify that H.R. No. 137 was adopted by the House on
November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House