BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In a Commission meeting held Monday morning, a proclamation was issued which recognized the exceptional talents and efforts of the 2021-2022 Greater Beckley Crusaders Class A Basketball team in their championship bid.
Overcoming the Tucker County Mountain Lions in the Class A semifinals matchup, the Crusaders made their way to the WVSSAC Boys State Basketball Semifinals matchup at the Charleston Civic Center, where they faced off with the James Monroe Mavericks.
While ultimately, it was the Mavericks that emerged with the win, the Greater Beckley Crusaders put forth a valiant effort in competing for what would have been their first state title, with Coach Justin Arvon stating, “I’m glad this is the way we left the court, focused on the Lord, unashamed, the way we began the season.”
The Raleigh County Commission were equally enthusiastic in their praise for the young athletes. The team was invited to the Raleigh County Chambers for the issuance of a proclamation recognizing them as runners up in the 2022 WV State Basketball Championship Tournament Class A.
Commission President Dave Tolliver addressed the group of players and reiterated the Commission’s ardor for the event, remarking, “It’s an honor to have you guys here, it really is.”
The Proclamation Honoring Greater Beckley Christian School 2022 State of WV Runners up April 19, 2022 was then read aloud as follows,
“Whereas, the hard work, dedication, sportsmanship talent and exceptional team chemistry of the 2021-2022 Greater Beckley Christian Basketball team enabled these student athletes to be runners up in the state’s Class A basketball championship; and,
Whereas the team has brought great honor not only to themselves but to their school, their families, and our community; and,
Whereas head basketball coach Justin Arvon and the entire coaching and support staff, team members, parents, administration, faculty, and student body at Greater Beckley Christian School were integral in guiding the team in the 2021-2022 through their unwavering support.
Now, therefore, we, the Raleigh County Commission, Dave Tolliver, Commission President, Linda K. Epling, Commissioner and Gregory A. Duckworth, Commissioner do hereby recognize and heartily congratulate the Greater Beckley Crusaders on their outstanding achievement.
In witness thereof, we, Dave Tolliver, Linda K. Epling, and Gregory A. Duckworth have hereunto set our hands and cause to be affixed the great seal of Raleigh County West Virginia on this 19th day of April, 2022.“
The full issuance of the proclamation was rendered incomplete, however. This was due to Commissioner Epling’s inability to provide her signature on the proclamation at the time of the meeting, as she could not be in attendance due to illness.
“Commissioner Epling is sick. [But] once we get her to sign it, we’ll give you the proclamation,” Tolliver said.
Following the reading of the proclamation, the players posed for photos with the Commissioners and staff.
To find out more about Beckley Greater Christian School, visit their website here.
