H.R. No. 894
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Jake Merrell of Valley High School was honored as
the 2016 Track Athlete of the Year by the Panhandle Sports Hall of
Fame at a ceremony held on February 12, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Over the past two years, Mr. Merrell has
distinguished himself in his performances at the University
Interscholastic League Track & Field State Meet, earning three
individual gold medals, collecting a silver medal as part of a
Valley High relay squad, and setting two state records; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Merrell earned his first gold medal as a
freshman in 2015, when he won the 1A 800-meter race with a time of 1
minute, 57.05 seconds; the following year, he was crowned the
champion of the 800 meters again and set a new 1A state record time
of 1 minute, 55.11 seconds; later that same evening, he claimed
another gold medal and broke a second record by finishing the
1,600-meter race in 4:22.60; in addition, he anchored his school's
4x400-meter relay team, which finished second at the meet; and
WHEREAS, Just two years into his high school track career,
Jake Merrell has established himself as an exceptional runner who
is furthering the proud athletic tradition of the Panhandle region,
and he is indeed deserving of this prestigious accolade; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Jake Merrell on his selection as
Track Athlete of the Year by the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Merrell as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Springer
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 894 was adopted by the House on March
23, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House