Senate Resolution 64

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL "COUGARS" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH CHRIS GARDNER FOR WINNING THE CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, speedy senior forward John Mark Tyler scored two goals to highlight the Northwest Rankin High School "Cougars" Boys Soccer Team to a 4-1 victory over Clinton High School for the Class 5A State Title on Saturday, February 8, 2003, before a raucous crowd of 2,000 in Pearl, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Northwest Rankin ranked No. 2 in The Clarion-Ledger poll, finished the season with an outstanding record of 22-1 and won its second 5A State championship in four years; and

WHEREAS, there may not be a quicker high school boys soccer player in Mississippi than John Tyler, 5'7", 155-pound speedster who scored a breakaway goal for a commanding 3-0 lead in the championship game, and added another in the 68th minute for good measure; and

WHEREAS, the team was inspired by six-year Coach Chris Gardner, who emphasized overall team quickness, agility, ball skills and hard work in establishing control of the tournament; and

WHEREAS, experience was another key factor for the Cougars, who started eight seniors in the championship game and reached their third 5A final in four years, winning two of those contests; and

WHEREAS, the roster of the Cougars Championship Team is as follows: Brandon Amecker, freshman; Tommy Douglass, freshman; Hunter Flynt, freshman; Cody Bullman, sophomore; Kevin Conerly, sophomore; Rucker Culpepper, sophomore; Stuart Davidson, sophomore; Rush Fentress, sophomore; Mike Lee, sophomore; Michael Longo, sophomore; Brent Sutherland, sophomore; Tyler Walker, sophomore; Mathew Walters, sophomore; Ryan Watson, freshman; Tommy Whitten, sophomore; Chris Young, sophomore; Jimmy Daniels, junior; Jon Huff, junior; Jake Milner, junior; Jesse Purvis, junior; Zach Scott, junior; Ragan Walters, junior; Chuck Crenshaw, senior; Will Dendinger, senior; Dane Hanson, senior; T-Mac Howard, senior; Brandon Kirksey, senior; Henry Minor, senior; Corey Naramore, senior; Cody Rogers, senior; Hunter Travis, senior; John Mark Tyler, senior; and Andy Williams, senior; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the special accomplishments of this senior-dominated group of student athletes, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Northwest Rankin High School "Cougars" Boys Soccer Team and Coach Chris Gardner for winning the Class 5A State Championship and for their outstanding 2002-2003 season, and wish them success in their future academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Cougars, Coach Gardner and the Principal of Northwest Rankin High School and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.