Cru Football Recognized in State Capitol
Belton, Texas – On Wednesday, January 30, the players, coaches, and staff of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Cru football program were recognized from the floors of the Texas State House of Representatives and Senate. Both legislative bodies celebrated the Cru’s undefeated 2018 season, which culminated in the team’s second National Championship.
Hugh Shine, representative of Texas House District 55, sponsored Texas House Resolution 30, which officially congratulated the team on its perfect season.
The bill states that, “by once again proving themselves the finest Division III team in the nation, the UMHB Crusaders have furthered the university's reputation as a gridiron powerhouse.”
Following the reading of the resolution, Shine took the microphone to congratulate the team.
“The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is the pride of District 55,” Shine said. “They brought home their second Division III National Championship in three years.”
Shine indicated the team and its coaches in the gallery and asked them to stand. Dennis Bonnen, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, called for a vote on the resolution, which passed without objection.
The team then moved to the gallery of the Texas Senate, where Dawn Buckingham, Senator for District 24, recognized them.
“It was almost two years ago to the day that I stood here as a 21-day-old senator, introducing the Cru’s first national football title,” Buckingham said, “and I am thrilled to have them back a second time as our special guests.”
Buckingham encouraged her colleagues to join her in a round of applause for the Cru.
Afterwards, the team posed for a photo with both Buckingham and Shine on the staircase outside of the Senate floor.
The Cru won the second National Championship in program history with a 24-16 victory over Mount Union in Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl XLVI, which was held in Shenandoah, Texas.
