On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, the Harrison Hoya football was recognized by State Senator Lindsey Tippins for winning the 2019 6A state championship. A resolution was also passed that made the commendation an official act and noted in the Senate’s records.
Head Coach Matt Dickmann and the team’s captains were on the floor with Senator Tippins, while the rest of the team and the coaching staff was present in the gallery overhead. Coach Dickmann thanked the administrators and the staff at Harrison for their support and Senator Tippins for making the Senate commendation a reality. “Our goal, he said, “has always been to teach these players how to be uncommon men on and off the field.”
Senator Tippins spoke briefly about how proud he was of Harrison’s accomplishment and recognized the “standard of excellence in academics, athletics, and the character of their students.” He also mentioned that Harrison was a special place for him because his son and daughter attended there.
Harrison Athletic Director Josh Hawk, who was also in the gallery, was very appreciative of what the event signified. “Visiting the Capitol and being recognized by the senate was an amazing and unique experience for our student-athletes and coaches,” he said. “I’m truly grateful to have been a part of it and am extremely proud of this program.”
Harrison Principal Ashlynn Campbell was also in attendance. She spoke of the many sacrifices that had been made by these players. “Not only did they work tirelessly day in and day out with football,” she said, “they also worked quietly behind the scenes on many occasions serving the Cobb County School District community.”
Acknowledging that Coach Dickmann’s goals for his team had been achieved, Principal Campbell noted how “especially proud” she was “of the way the players and coaches have positively represented our school on and off the field. They truly represent the Hoya Spirit of ‘being rock solid and taking part in something bigger than yourself.’ It was an honor to watch these players and coaches win our school’s first football state championship!” she said.
Former Hoya principal and current District athletic administrator Donnie Griggers was also on hand for the event. “It’s such an honor for them to be recognized in this way,” he said. “These boys will remember coming to the State Capitol for the rest of their lives. It means so much, not only to the school, but to Cobb County School District as a whole.”
The text of the official resolution reads:
Commending the Harrison High School Varsity Football Team for winning the 2019–2020 Georgia High School Association Class AAAAAA State Football Championship; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Harrison High School Varsity Football Team has established and maintained a proud tradition of excellence with equal emphases on character and academics; and
WHEREAS, this superlative team has completed a triumphant season of football competition; and
WHEREAS, the Harrison High School Varsity Football Team brought special recognition to their school and to Cobb County by winning the 2019–2020 Georgia High School Association Class AAAAAA State Football Championship with a final score of 20 to 7; and
WHEREAS, the phenomenal performance of the team is a clear indication of the outstanding athletic ability, the dedication and hard work, and the unity of purpose and spirit of each member of the team under the astute direction of Head Coach Matt Dickmann; and
WHEREAS, through commitment and dedication, the Harrison High School Varsity Football Team has been ranked seventh in the state and ninetieth in the nation; and
WHEREAS, as this magnificent team earned its well-deserved recognition for excellence by performing with courage and precision over months of training and competition, it is abundantly proper to call them champions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend the Harrison High School Varsity Football Team for winning the 2019–2020 Georgia High School Association Class AAAAAA State Football Championship and extend their most sincere best wishes for continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Harrison High School Varsity Football Team.
Congratulations to Coach Dickmann, the Hoya football team, and everyone at Harrison High School. Go Hoyas! Hoya Saxa!
