Bill
SR 33
Arkansas Senate recognizes Van Buren High School Pointers as the 2025-26 Class 5A state champions in wrestling, highlighting their multiple championships and team achievements.
Purpose
- Officially recognize the Van Buren High School Pointers wrestling team as the 2025-2026 Class 5A state champions (dual and team format) and recognize the Lady Pointers wrestling team as back-to-back Class 5A state runners-up.
Key Provisions and Content
- Recognition of achievements:
- Van Buren Pointers won the 2025-2026 Class 5A state championship in the Arkansas State Wrestling Tournament held on February 14, 2026, at the Jack Stephens Center in Little Rock. They defeated Lake Hamilton by 10.5 points.
- This title marks:
- The Pointers’ fifth consecutive Class 5A state championship (in wrestling).
- The Pointers’ ninth Class 5A state championship overall (counting dual and team state championships).
- A tie for the state record of consecutive Class 5A state wrestling championships.
- Individual accomplishments highlighted include undefeated freshman Peyton Boston (age 15) winning the 126-pound title and earning Outstanding Wrestler for the lower weight class.
- The team qualified competitors in 11 of 14 weight classes; 10 of those 11 finished in the top four.
- Additional podiac placements listed for multiple team members across various weight classes; explicit placements are provided (e.g., 3rd, 2nd, 4th in specific weight classes).
- The Pointers also won the Van Buren Dual Tournament, Searcy Dual Tournament, and the regional championship.
- Lady Pointers finished as state runners-up with 110.5 points; Eva Garcia won the 120-pound class and is noted as a three-time state champion.
- Additional Lady Pointers placers include multiple athletes across weight classes, with several top-four finishes and individual state placements.
- Leadership and staff:
- Head Coach: John Petree.
- Assistant Coaches: Dakota Petree and Cory Hansen.
- Head Coach John Petree was named Class 5A Wrestling Coach of the Year.
- Procedural framing:
- The resolution is a formal expression of recognition by the Arkansas Senate.
- Upon adoption, a copy of the resolution is to be presented to Head Coach John Petree and Assistant Coaches Dakota Petree and Cory Hansen by the Secretary of the Senate.
Affected Parties
- Primary: Van Buren High School Pointers wrestling team and Lady Pointers wrestling team, including student-athletes and coaching staff.
- Secondary: School administration and supporters, local community of Van Buren, Arkansas wrestling community.
Timeline and Legislative Details
- Event referenced: 2025-2026 wrestling season culminating in February 2026.
- Resolution status: Filed and read; the Senate acts on it as a ceremonial recognition.
- Sponsor: Senator J. Petty (co-sponsor: Jim Petty).
- Jurisdiction: Arkansas, 95th General Assembly, Fiscal Session, 2026.
Impact
- Symbolic and ceremonial recognition of athletic achievement, highlighting sustained excellence in high school wrestling.
- Potential to boost school pride, community recognition, and visibility for Van Buren’s wrestling program.
- No changes to laws, funding, or policy; purely formal recognition by state government.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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