Schmick introduces House resolution honoring Colfax state champion Bulldogs and legacy of Coach Reece Jenkin

‘This season will be remembered for the championship. But it will also be remembered for the way an entire community came together. That’s something special, and it’s worth recognizing,’ says Schmick

Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, will introduce a resolution in the Washington State House of Representatives on Monday honoring the Colfax High School boys basketball team for its undefeated season and WIAA State 2B championship, while also recognizing the legacy of longtime coach Reece Jenkin and the strength of the Colfax community.

The Bulldogs completed a remarkable season by winning the state championship with a perfect record, representing the town of Colfax and the surrounding region with pride and determination.

For Schmick, whose district includes Whitman County and the Colfax community, the resolution recognizes more than just an athletic accomplishment.

“This team didn’t just win a championship,” said Schmick. “They showed the entire state what resilience, character, and community support look like. In a small town like Colfax, people rally around each other in difficult times, and this season showed the very best of that.”

The resolution also honors the life and legacy of longtime Colfax coach Reece Jenkin, who passed away during the season after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Jenkin led the Bulldogs program for nearly two decades, earning more than 300 wins while mentoring generations of student-athletes.

“Coach Jenkin built more than a successful basketball program,” said Schmick. “He helped shape young people, teaching them discipline, humility, and how to work as a team. His impact goes far beyond the scoreboard.”

As Schmick noted in the resolution, Jenkin’s influence extended throughout the region and the broader basketball community.

“The resolution recognizes that Coach Jenkin’s dedication to his players, school, and community left a lasting imprint on the program and the many young people he mentored,” Schmick said.

The Bulldogs’ championship season unfolded during an emotional time for the Jenkin family and the Colfax community. Schools across the region held “purple nights,” rival teams showed their support, and communities came together to stand with the Bulldogs and the Jenkin family.

“As the resolution says, the compassion and support shown during this time reflected the very best of small-town Washington,” said Schmick. “Neighbors, schools, and even rivals stood shoulder to shoulder to lift up this team and this family.”

The resolution also recognizes the strength of the Jenkin family, including Adrik Jenkin, a senior leader on the championship team, and his sister, Allie Jenkin, a member of the Colfax girls basketball team who inspired many with her determination during a difficult time.

“This season will be remembered for the championship,” Schmick said. “But it will also be remembered for the way an entire community came together. That’s something special, and it’s worth recognizing.”

Schmick plans to present the resolution during a House floor session recognizing the Bulldogs and their championship season.

The text of the Resolution:

House Resolution honoring Colfax High School boys basketball team for winning the WIAA State 2B Championship

WHEREAS, The Colfax High School Bulldogs boys basketball team completed a remarkable season by winning the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association State 2B Championship with an undefeated record, demonstrating exceptional skill, discipline, and teamwork throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, The Bulldogs represented the Colfax community with pride and sportsmanship while competing against the best teams in the state and earning their place as champions through perseverance and dedication; and

WHEREAS, The Colfax boys basketball program has long been a model of excellence under the leadership of Coach Reece Jenkin, who led the Bulldogs to more than 300 victories, numerous state tournament appearances, and multiple state championships while mentoring generations of young athletes; and

WHEREAS, Coach Jenkin, a former standout player at Reardan High School, Big Bend Community College, and Whitworth University, devoted nearly two decades to coaching in Colfax and building a program known not only for winning but for humility, character, and teamwork; and

WHEREAS, During the 2025-26 season, Coach Jenkin courageously battled pancreatic cancer and ultimately passed away, leaving behind his wife, Breanne, and their three children, including Colfax senior and team leader Adrik Jenkin; and

WHEREAS, In the midst of grief and adversity, the Colfax players honored their coach’s legacy by competing with resilience, unity, and determination, carrying forward the standards he instilled in them and dedicating their efforts to the coach who shaped their lives both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, The Colfax community, the Northeast Washington basketball community, and even rival teams rallied around the Bulldogs and the Jenkin family, showing their support through acts of kindness, “purple nights,” and countless messages of encouragement that demonstrated the power of sports to unite people during difficult times; and

WHEREAS, The Jenkin family’s strength and character inspired many throughout the state, including Adrik Jenkin’s sister, Allie Jenkin, a member of the Colfax girls basketball team, whose determination and courage during this difficult time reflected the same spirit of perseverance that defined the Bulldogs’ championship run; and

WHEREAS, The Bulldogs’ undefeated championship season stands not only as an extraordinary athletic accomplishment but also as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of leadership, family, faith, and community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor and congratulate the Colfax High School boys basketball team for winning the WIAA State 2B Championship and completing an undefeated season; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House recognize and honor the life and legacy of Coach Reece Jenkin, whose dedication to his players, his school, and his community left a lasting imprint on the Colfax Bulldogs basketball program and on the many young people he mentored throughout his career; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House acknowledge the remarkable strength of the Jenkin family and the Colfax community, whose compassion, faith, and unwavering support during a time of loss demonstrated the very best of small-town Washington – where neighbors rally together, rivals stand shoulder to shoulder in support, and communities lift one another up in moments that matter most; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Colfax High School boys basketball team, the Colfax School District, and the Jenkin family.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov