CITY OF FRESNO
Office of Council President Annalisa Perea and Councilmember Nelson Esparza
WHEREAS, Manchester G.A.T.E. Elementary (Manchester G.A.T.E.) has demonstrated an unparalleled tradition of excellence in cross country, winning the district cross country championship 28 of the past 30 seasons through the unwavering dedication of its student-athletes, coaches, families, and school staff; and
WHEREAS, throughout this remarkable season, Manchester G.A.T.E. hosted four practice meets to prepare its athletes for the regional and district competitions, providing critical opportunities for skill development, teamwork, and perseverance; and
WHEREAS, Manchester G.A.T.E. faced strong competition from Fresno Unified schools and their talented coaches, yet succeeded in advancing seven of eight grade-level teams from the Hoover regional qualifier to the district finals at Woodward Park; and
WHEREAS, at the district finals, Manchester G.A.T.E.’s runners achieved outstanding success, winning four of eight grade-level competitions (fifth and sixth-grade boys and girls) and earning the prestigious sweepstakes trophy against more than 50 elementary schools and approximately 2,000 third through sixth-grade athletes; and
WHEREAS, this program’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Fresno City Council, Fresno Unified Elementary sports organizers, school administrators, race directors, teachers, and volunteers who made the meets possible; and
WHEREAS, the coaches of Manchester G.A.T.E. have prioritized teaching their athletes not only the art of running but also critical life skills such as patience, resilience, dedication, organization, communication, and teamwork, creating well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field; and
WHEREAS, this year’s success would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of the following coaches and faculty:
Lauren King, Doug Stephens, Russ Painter, Jesus Sepulveda, Randall Wallace, Lisa Baldis, Ian Gough, Dan Gallagher, Amanda Rayburn, Mary Vink, Beth Snyder, Kristan Kesterke, and Virginia Riding; and
WHEREAS, the 95 student-athletes who participated this season, alongside those who have come before them, embody the spirit of determination and excellence that defines Manchester G.A.T.E.’s cross-country program.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Council President Annalisa Perea, Mayor Jerry P. Dyer, and the Fresno City Councilmembers, proudly recognize and commend Manchester G.A.T.E. Elementary and the Fresno Unified Cross-Country Program for its extraordinary achievements, dedication to athletic and personal development, and the positive impact it has had on the community, and extends its gratitude and congratulations to all those who contributed to this season’s success and do hereby proclaim Thursday, January 9, 2025 as:
“Manchester G.A.T.E. Elementary &
the Fresno Unified Cross-Country Program Day”
in the City of Fresno.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal of the City of Fresno, California, this 9th day of January in the Year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five.
“Manchester G.A.T.E. Elementary &
the Fresno Unified Cross-Country Program Day”
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MIKE KARBASSI, Council Vice President, District 2
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TYLER MAXWELL, Councilmember, District 4
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NICK RICHARDSON, Councilmember, District 6
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JERRY P. DYER, Honorable Mayor
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MIGUEL ARIAS, Councilmember, District 3
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NELSON ESPARZA, Councilmember, District 7
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ANNALISA PEREA, Council President, District 1