MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Davis, King, Watson, Bailey, Banks, Bozeman, Broomfield, Chaney, Coleman (29th), Comans, Cummings, Dickson, Endt, Evans, Flaggs, Formby, Foster, Frierson, Gadd, Green (96th), Hamilton, Howell, Ishee, Janus, Ketchings, Malone, Manning, Maples, McInnis, Moore, Morris, Moss, Nettles, Perry, Read, Reeves, Reynolds, Robertson, Scott (17th), Shows, Simmons (100th), Simmons (37th), Simpson, Smith (27th), Smith (35th), Straughter, Stringer, Thornton, Vince, Walker, Warren, Williams, Young, Stribling

House Concurrent Resolution 135

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GOLDEN EAGLES FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 1997 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP. 

WHEREAS, the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Football Team finished the 1997-1998 season with an outstanding record of 8 wins and only 3 losses; and

WHEREAS, earning the title outright with a perfect 6-0 record in league play, the Golden Eagles won their second consecutive Conference USA Championship with an average margin of victory in their six conference games of 19 points per game; and

WHEREAS, for the first time in school history the Golden Eagles finished the season ranked among the top 25 teams in the nation; and

WHEREAS, with their astounding 41-7 rout of Pittsburgh in the Liberty Bowl the Eagles finished the season ranked 19th in both the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll and the Associate Press Poll; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Mississippi defensive unit led by coordinator John Thompson, finished the season ranked in the top 20 in all three major defensive categories, ranking 14th in rush defense, 11th in pass defense and 18th in total defense; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition for their hard work, dedication and superior play this season, including senior Eric Booth claiming a national title and the country's best kickoff return man, senior cornerback Patrick Surtain being named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, senior Harold Shaw becoming the first Southern Mississippi running back since 1987 to surpass the 1,000 yard mark in a season, sophomore receiver Sherrod Gideon being named the Most Valuable Player of the Liberty Bowl, junior quarterback Lee Roberts becoming the second passer in school history to throw for more than 2,000 yards in a season and defensive tackle John Nix being named to the Sporting News Freshman All-American team; and

WHEREAS, the Golden Eagles have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Jeff Bower and Assistant Coaches

Danny Baker, Steve Buckley, Randy Butler, Thamas Coleman, Larry Kueck, Tyrone Nix, Pete Perot, Joe Robinson, John Thompson, and Dave Wommack, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Golden Eagles have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to the University of Southern Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young adults of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do commend and congratulate the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Football Team and their coaches, Head Coach Jeff Bower and Assistant Coaches Danny Baker, Steve Buckley, Randy Butler, Thamas Coleman, Larry Kueck, Tyrone Nix, Pete Perot, Joe Robinson, John Thompson, and Dave Wommack, for their outstanding 1997-1998 season, for winning their second consecutive Conference USA Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the University of Southern Mississippi, Head Coach Jeff Bower and Assistant Coaches Danny Baker, Steve Buckley, Randy Butler, Thamas Coleman, Larry Kueck, Tyrone Nix, Pete Perot, Joe Robinson, John Thompson, and Dave Wommack.