Orange, Pinehurst honor state champions

For the Record - Dave Rogers

Tuesday was West Orange-Stark Mustang Varsity Football Team Day in the cities of Orange and Pinehurst.

City councils of both communities issued nearly identical proclamations honoring the 2016 back-to-back state champions at their regular meetings.

The city is set to host a parade for the players, coaches and staff Saturday, Jan. 28 in downtown Orange.

Tuesday’s proclamations made it official. They read:

Whereas, the West Orange-Stark Mustang Varsity Football Team led by Head Coach Cornel Thompson and the Mustang Varsity Football Staff, exemplifies exceptional sportsmanship, talent, and hardworking athletes. These characteristics have enabled the team to earn a championship title school recognition on the state and local levels; and

Whereas, on December 16, 2016, West Orange-Stark Mustang Varsity Football Team won the 2016 Class 4A Division II State Championship defeating Sweetwater High School by a score of 24-6 at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas; and

Whereas the district continually provides high quality programming in all areas of education including academics, athletics, vocational training and instructions in the fine arts; and

Whereas the citizens of Orange/Pinehurst respect and appreciate the dedication and commitment of the athletes, coaches, parents and teachers of the West Orange-Stark Mustang Varsity Football Team; and

Whereas this proclamation shall serve as a notice for today and a reminder for tomorrow that the citizens of Orange/Pinehurst, Texas in 2016 have recognized a very special group of athletes and coaches for their OUTSTANDING achievements this year;

NOW THEREFORE I, Jimmy Sims, Mayor of the City of Orange/Joseph L. Runnels, Mayor of the City of Pinehurst, Texas, do hereby proclaim that January 10, 2017 shall be recognized as a special tribute as

WEST ORANGE-STARK MUSTANG VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM DAY

in the City of Orange, Texas, and do hereby offer, on behalf of the City Council and the citizens of the City of Orange, our heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS for a job well done!