Recognizing the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders football team for winning a national championship.
The resolution highlights the Crusaders' remarkable performance throughout the season, ending with a perfect record of 15-0, which not only established new school records but also set a benchmark within the American Southwest Conference for single-season victories. The acknowledgment emphasizes the importance of athletics in fostering school pride and community spirit, particularly for institutions like the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Senate Resolution No. 35 is a formal commendation from the Texas Senate recognizing the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders football team for their exceptional achievement in winning the 2016 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III national championship. Notably, the team achieved this milestone by defeating the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Titans with a score of 10-7 at the prestigious Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl held in Salem, Virginia. This victory marked the university's first national championship in football, underscoring the program's growth and success.
Overall, Senate Resolution No. 35 captures the essence of collegiate athletics as a source of pride for both the university and local communities. It is a legislative gesture that not only honors a specific achievement in sports but also promotes the ideals of perseverance and excellence among Texas students.
While the resolution is primarily celebratory, it also serves to reinforce the value of teamwork, discipline, and leadership exemplified by the head coach, Pete Fredenburg, who was named the 2016 American Football Coaches Association Division III Coach of the Year. This commendation reflects a broader appreciation of collegiate sports and the role they play in shaping the educational experiences of student-athletes.