HR0734 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0734 LRB095 13780 KXB 39528 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the Springfield-based Illinois Predators seventh-grade girls' basketball team on earning the Gold Medal at the State Games of America; and

WHEREAS, The Predators earned the Gold Medal after sweeping the competition at the 2007 State Games of America in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, The Predators team, which is affiliated with The Gym of Springfield, were undefeated during the three-day tournament, beating teams from Colorado, Oklahoma, and Montana, before defeating the Minnesota Starz 52-42 in a come-from-behind effort for the Gold Medal; and

WHEREAS, Predator players are Lauren Lanzotti, Kelsey Easton, Mackenzie McDermott, Alison Kuhn, Corinne Brent, Danielle Hoekzema, Jamie Blue, and Andrea Lietz; the head coach is Dale Kuhn, and assistant coaches are Jeff Blue and Caroline Harless; and

WHEREAS, More than 500,000 athletes competed nationwide to qualify for the 2007 State Games of America, which are held every other year; the Predator team qualified to represent the State of Illinois by winning the Gold Medal at the 2006 Prairie State Games; and

WHEREAS, Medal winners from State Games nationwide advanced to compete against other winners in 29 different sports at this year's games; this year's event included more than 10,500 athletes from 47 states; opening ceremonies were held in the Colorado Springs World Arena and featured Olympic Medalist and World Champion figure skater, Michelle Kwan, who delivered the event's keynote speech and lit the torch at the Games' opening ceremonies; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Springfield-based Illinois Predators seventh-grade girls' basketball team on their gold medal victory at the State Games of America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Predators basketball team and their coaches as a symbol of our esteem and respect.