Commending the Patrick Henry High School baseball team.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Todd Pillion

The bill commends Patrick Henry High School baseball for winning the 2026 VHSL Class 1 state title, celebrating their teamwork and community support.

Bill text as passed Senate (SR2069ER)

Summary of SR 2069 (Virginia 2026 Special Session I)

Purpose andintent

SR 2069 is a Senate resolution commending the Patrick Henry High School baseball team of Glade Spring, Virginia, for winning the 2026 Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 1 state championship.

The resolution recognizes the team’s achievement, honors the players, coaches, and school community, and expresses admiration and best wishes for continued success.

Key provisions and changes

Acknowledges that Patrick Henry High School defeated Rappahannock High School (Warsaw) 4–1 in the state championship game at Kiwanis Park in Salem.

Highlights the team’s season record: improved to 25–2 after a 11–12 previous season, including 19 consecutive victories.

Notes specific game details:

In the championship game, Hank Rutherford delivered a two-out, two-run double in the top of the fifth to take the lead.
A crucial 6–4–3 double play in the fifth helped preserve the lead.
Insurance runs in the sixth inning came from Aidan Monahan’s home run and Hunter White’s RBI groundout.

Credits the performance of key players:

Kolby Hicks pitched 6 1/3 innings with five strikeouts, five hits, and one walk.
Aidan Monahan earned the save with the final two outs.

Attributes success to teamwork, coaching leadership, and support from the school community.

Who or what would be affected

The bill formally acknowledges Patrick Henry High School’s baseball program and its members (players, coaches, and supporters) with a ceremonial statement of commendation.

The Clerk of the Senate is tasked with preparing a copy of the resolution for presentation to Eric Rutherford, the team’s coach.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and offered on June 18, 2026, during Virginia’s 2026 Special Session I.

The resolution passed the Senate by voice vote on June 22, 2026, indicating broad, non-controversial support.

Sponsorship: Primary sponsor is Senator Pillion, with a co-sponsor listed as Todd Pillion.

As a commendatory resolution, the bill does not create direct legal obligations or financial commitments beyond formal recognition.

Impact and significance

Provides formal public recognition from the Virginia Senate for a high school athletics achievement.

May boost community pride and serve as a historical record of the team’s accomplishment.

No budgetary or regulatory changes are associated with the resolution; its effect is ceremonial.