MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing

Senate Resolution 54

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 1997-1998 DELTA STATE "STATESMEN" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON THEIR EXCELLENT SEASON AND UPON THEIR SECOND NCAA DIVISION II ELITE EIGHT TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE. 

WHEREAS, the 1997-1998 Delta State "Statesmen" Boys Basketball Team completed a fantastic 27-4 season, making a run to their second appearance in the N.C.A.A. Division II Elite Eight Tournament, before falling to Kentucky Wesleyan in the quarterfinal round; and

WHEREAS, the Statesmen become the first squad in men's Gulf South Conference history to win back-to-back conference titles; and

WHEREAS, the 27-4 record is the best record in Statesmen basketball history, surpassing the 24-9 record the Statesmen put together in Coach Steve Rives' first year at the helm of the DSU program, and the Statesmen currently own a 29-game home streak, the longest in Gulf South Conference history; and

WHEREAS, Coach Steve Rives became the Statesmen's all-time winningest coach with win No. 217 on the road versus Arkansas-Monticello, and was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Coach of the Year by the leagues' coaches; and

WHEREAS, Delta State is not a two-man team, but the Statesmen's success story starts with Junior forward Chris Sykes (who was named second-team All-American by the College Sports ID Assn and National Assn of Basketball Coaches) and Senior forward Twentis Magee who were the team's 1-2 punch and key to the team's success which was within three wins of a national championship; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this team which has brought such honor to its university and its state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 1997-98 Delta State "Statesmen" Boys Basketball Team for completing a fantastic season and for their second appearance in the N.C.A.A. Division II Elite Eight Tournament, and wish them continued success in their academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Delta State "Statesmen" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Steve Rives, and that copies be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.