A House RESOLUTION recognizing the achievements of the 2012 winston‑salem state university football team.
Whereas, the 2012 Winston‑Salem State University (WSSU) football team was undefeated during the regular season, posting a perfect record of 10‑0; and
Whereas, in 2012, the Rams became the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football team to win 14 games, topping the team's 2011 record of 13 wins; and
Whereas, in 2012, WSSU's football team also captured the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference championship for the second consecutive year; and
Whereas, WSSU's football team won the NCAA Division II Super Region 1 championship and played in the Division II National Championship game in Florence, Alabama, on December 15, 2012; and
Whereas, WSSU's football team was named the 2012 Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Black College National Champion and was ranked number one in the final Boxtorow national football poll; and
Whereas, during the 2012 season, the WSSU football team, its players, and coaches won numerous team and individual awards but were also consistently congratulated for their sportsmanlike conduct; and
Whereas, despite playing an extended football season, team players still achieved academic success, with 21 players making the Fall 2012 Dean's List; and
Whereas, the success of the football team is a fitting testimonial and memorial to former Rams of the past, including Cleo Wallace, a former athlete and football coach at WSSU and a member of the WSSU Clarence E. "Big House" Gaines Athletic Hall of Fame; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives recognizes the achievements of the players and coaching staff of the 2012 Winston‑Salem State University football team and congratulates them on their successful football season.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives honors the memory of Cleo Wallace and expresses its appreciation to former coaches and athletes at Winston‑Salem State University.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit certified copies of this resolution to Dr. Donald J. Reaves, Chancellor of Winston‑Salem State University; William Hayes, Director of Athletics; and Connell Maynor, Head Coach of the football team.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.