WHEREAS, Raymond Maples began playing football with the New Breeds Bronco's Football Team at the Albert W. Christy Recreation Center at age of seven, becoming one of the teams' student-athletes; and
WHEREAS, Raymond mastered six different positions- quarterback, lineman, running back, line backer, tight end and safety; and
WHEREAS, Raymond demonstrated leadership and had a positive influence on his teammates. Upon graduating from high school, Raymond was awarded the teams' highest award, The New Breed Broncho's Athlete of the Year; and
WHEREAS, He attended West Philadelphia Catholic High School in Philadelphia and was a two-time all-state player, also earning all catholic league honors and all-city choice, playing two positions - running back and strong safety; and
WHEREAS, Raymond was the first student in his high school to attend West Point Academy; and
WHEREAS, Raymond is the son of Benjamin and Lisa Maples and the oldest of three brothers. He was the first of his family to attend college and first in his family to serve in the military; and
WHEREAS, Raymond entered West Point making his collegiate football debut playing for the Army Black Knights. By 2012, he was one of only seven Black Knight players to start all 12 games, rushing for 1,215 yards, the fifth-best total in West Point Academy history, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That council does hereby recognize and honor Raymond Jamal Maples, the first African American from Philadelphia to graduate from West Point Military Academy and for being the third running back in Army history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Raymond Jamal Maples as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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