Honorary Resolution

Over the weekend, West HS won the state lacrosse championship. I am presenting this resolution that I hope that you will agree to suspend our rules and allow this (draft) resolution be placed on tonight’s agenda:

RESOLUTION HONORING THE WEST HIGH SCHOOL MEN’S LACROSSE TEAM

2026 TSSAA CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONS

WHEREAS, the West High School Men’s Lacrosse Team has achieved extraordinary distinction by capturing the 2026 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Class A State Championship, marking a historic milestone in program history; and

WHEREAS, this championship represents only the second ever TSSAA-sanctioned lacrosse state championship, as lacrosse was recently recognized as a state sport in Tennessee, further elevating the significance of this accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Head Coach Chandler Klinck and Assistant Coaches Joseph Sandford, Ross Clark, and Zeke Martinez, the team compiled an outstanding 15–3 season record, demonstrating excellence, discipline, and perseverance throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, the West High School lacrosse program, founded in 2003 as the West Knox Warriors club team, has grown into a championship-caliber program, achieving its best-ever records in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons and culminating in its first state title in program history; and

WHEREAS, the championship team was led by a dedicated group of student-athletes, including captains Jack Carter, Nick Ernst, Sam Jones, Zach Lopez, and Reed Womack, along with seniors Gaines Asti, Jack Carter, Dane Clark, Nick Ernst, Pablo Gillespie, and Reed Womack, and junior leaders Sam Jones and Zach Lopez, who helped build the foundation of West’s middle school and varsity success in the early years of TSSAA-sanctioned play; and

WHEREAS, in the championship contest, West High School demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience, highlighted by a dominant defensive performance anchored by goalkeeper Sam Jones, who recorded 14 saves, including a critical stop with seven seconds remaining to preserve the victory; and

WHEREAS, the defensive unit, including senior Reed Womack and underclassmen Spence Avery, Bode Benevicz, and Jack Hanks, held Page High School to a single second-half goal, exemplifying discipline and composure under pressure; and

WHEREAS, offensively, Gaines Asti contributed two goals and one assist, while Zach Lopez scored the game-winning goal, with additional scoring contributions from Jack Carter, Pablo Gillespie, and Corbin Thomas, reflecting a balanced and unselfish team effort; and

WHEREAS, the achievements of this team reflect not only athletic excellence but also leadership, character, and commitment to the growth of lacrosse within the state of Tennessee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the [Governing Body] hereby honors and commends the West High School Men’s Lacrosse Team, Head Coach Chandler Klinck, the coaching staff, and all student-athletes for winning the 2026 TSSAA Class A State Championship, and extends its sincere congratulations for bringing distinction and pride to their school and community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the official record so that the accomplishments of this remarkable team may be duly recognized and celebrated.