83R10786 JWI-D
By: Stickland H.R. No. 999
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Junior Filikitonga was inducted into the
Hurst-Euless-Bedford Sports Hall of Fame on February 16, 2013, in
recognition of his notable contributions to local athletics; and
WHEREAS, Since 1995, the H-E-B Sports Hall of Fame has paid
tribute to individuals and teams who have made a positive impact in
the community through sports-related endeavors; the hall was
created to acknowledge successful teams and athletes as well as
officials, administrators, trainers, medical practitioners, media
figures, and others who have distinguished themselves with their
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Junior Filikitonga attended Midway Park Elementary
and Central Junior High in Euless before becoming a standout
athlete at Trinity High School; he earned all-district and
all-region honors in track-and-field and football, qualified for
the state meet in the shot put and discus, and was chosen to play in
a North-South All-Star football game as a result of his exceptional
performance as a defensive end for the Trojans; and
WHEREAS, Continuing his football career at the collegiate
level, Mr. Filikitonga was named an All-American while playing at
Tyler Junior College; he then joined the Abilene Christian
University team for two seasons, during which he became the fifth
all-time leading tackler for the Wildcats and earned several
significant accolades; in 1997, he was selected as the Lone Star
Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year and a first team
All-American, and the following year he became a finalist for the
Harlon Hill Trophy, given to the NCAA Division II player of the
year; and
WHEREAS, When an injury cut short his professional football
career, Mr. Filikitonga returned to Abilene Christian as an
assistant coach for two years and also volunteered as a youth
football coach; in addition, he has become active in the sport of
mixed martial arts, both as a competitor and a coach; and
WHEREAS, Junior Filikitonga's many accomplishments have
helped advance the proud tradition of athletic excellence in the
Hurst-Euless-Bedford school system and beyond, and he is indeed
deserving of this prestigious honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Junior Filikitonga on his
induction into the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Sports Hall of Fame and
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Filikitonga as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.