Washington’s entire House of Representatives delegation introduced a resolution led by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today in honor of Western Washington University’s first Division II NCAA National Basketball Title. The Western Washington University Vikings secured the championship with a win over the University of Montevallo on March 24.
“The Vikings’ achievement is cause for celebration by all Washingtonians,” Larsen said. “This championship is just one more sign of Western’s excellence on and off the court. Congratulations to Coach Jackson and the whole team.”
Larsen was joined by Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, WA-03, Doc Hastings, WA-04, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, WA-05, Norm Dicks, WA-06, Jim McDermott, WA-07, Dave Reichert, WA-08, and Adam Smith, WA-09, in introducing the resolution.
The text of the resolution, as introduced, is as follows:
RESOLUTION
Congratulating Western Washington University on winning its first Division II NCAA National Basketball Title in the school’s 110-year history.
Whereas on March 24, 2012, the Western Washington University Vikings defeated the University of Montevallo Falcons by a score of 72 to 65, in the NCAA Division II championship game, giving the Vikings their first Championship win in program history;
Whereas the Western Washington University Vikings entered the Elite Eight tournament in Highland Heights Kentucky on March 21, 2012, and defeated the Midwestern State University Mustangs by a score of 64 to 63 in the Quarterfinals;
Whereas on March 22, 2012, Western Washington University defeated the Stonehill College Skyhawks in the Semifinals of the Elite Eight by a score of 71 to 66;
Whereas the Western Washington University men’s basketball team and their coach, Brad Jackson, deserve an immense amount of respect and credit for their resolve and triumph in the NCAA Division II championship;
Whereas Brad Jackson’s dedication as the team’s coach for 27 years, the longest tenure in school history, is admirable and worthy of praise; and
Whereas Western Washington University has defeated its opponents and the odds to win a national title: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates Western Washington University for winning the Division II NCAA men’s basketball championship, the first win in school history.
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