IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION congratulating coach Kelly Donohoe and the undefeated Blue Springs High School football team upon winning the 2001 Class 5A State Championship.
Intro
RESOLUTION #13955, December 10, 2001
INTRODUCED BY Terry Young, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, under the outstanding leadership of Coach Kelly Donohoe, the undefeated Blue Springs High School "Wildcats" won the 2001 Class 5A State Football Championship in St. Louis, Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, the Wildcats achieved a 28-12 victory over the stunned Hazelwood East Spartans, which had been ranked the No. 1 team in the State of Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, the November 23, 2001 state championship victory, before a crowd of more that 14, 000 fans at the Dome at America's Center, was the second state football title for the school, the first having been claimed in 1992; and,
WHEREAS, the team made several big offensive plays, steam-rolled the Spartans with a rock-solid attack defense and produced a bit of magic with the newest entry in their play book, a trick play called at the right moment by Coach Donohoe as he gave the nod to wide receiver Jordan Bles; and,
WHEREAS, Bles, who struggled with the play in practice, came through with a perfect 59-yard reverse pass downfield to the waiting arms of fellow receiver Curtis Cooper, giving the Wildcats a three-touchdown lead; and,
WHEREAS, this year's victory was a total team effort, from wide receiver Josh Barge, who put the team on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a 40-yard reception from quarterback Justin Whitworth, to linebacker Darius Witherspoon, who set a state playoff record with four sacks; and,
WHEREAS, additionally, on the second play of the third quarter the Wildcats broke the Missouri 5A championship game record with 10 sacks, and by game's end, had 16 sacks; and,
WHEREAS, the Wildcats had seven players named to the Class 5A all-state squad including first teamers, quarterback Justin Whitworth, offensive lineman Robert Taylor, running back Andrew Tuggle, linebacker Bruce Ringwood, and wide receiver Josh Barge, and second-team players kicker Daniel Watkins and defensive end Joe Bauch; and,
WHEREAS, "I just hope everyone realizes just how tough it is to accomplish what we accomplished this season," said Coach Donohoe, who has been named the NFL and Kansas City Chiefs High School Coach of the Year; and,
WHEREAS, in post season honors announced December 5, 2001, Coach Donohoe was chosen the Missouri Coach of the Year in a poll of the Missouri Sports Writers and Broadcasters; and,
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Coach Kelly Donohoe and his staff, the Wildcats' efforts have created a winning atmosphere that reaches all students, whether they are sports buffs or not; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby congratulates Blue Springs High School football team, the Wildcats, and its coaching staff upon on winning the 2001 Class 5A State Championship and for an outstanding undefeated football season.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________ ________________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution # 13955 of December 10, 2001, was duly passed on ___________December 10_____________, 2001 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ________7___________ Nays __________0_________
Abstaining _______0________ Absent _________2_________
______________________ _________________________________
Date Mary Jo Brogoto, Clerk of Legislature