House Concurrent Resolution 98

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL ARROWS SOCCER TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2005-2006 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Clinton High School Arrows Soccer Team finished the 2005-2006 season with a remarkable record of 22 wins, three losses and four ties; and

WHEREAS, throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Arrows fought and defeated many well-trained teams, and captured the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship for the second straight year with an 8-0 undefeated record in state playoffs and outscoring their opponents 17-1; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated and superior play and their hard work this season, including the selection of Michael Goodlett as "Mr. Soccer"; the naming of Michael Goodlett, Michael Pardue and Barry Prather to the All-State Team; the selection of Michael Goodlett, Michael Pardue, Grant Gibson, Logan Barksdale, Brett DiBiase, Hunter Evans, Barry Prather, Lance Barksdale and Jake Milstead to the All-District Team; and

WHEREAS, senior players: Grant Gibson, Neal Usry, Kirby Swann, Michael Goodlett, Osa Ogiamien, Hunter Evans, Brett DiBiase and Michael Pardue, have played in three state championships in their four years, and were South State Champions, two-time North State Champions, Class 5A runner up and two-time Class 5A State Champions; and

WHEREAS, several members of the team were athletic standouts in their efforts, as evidenced by the 24 season goals of junior Brandon Prather, the 16 team assists of sophomore Logan Barksdale, senior Michael Goodlett's 14 shutouts and sophomore Taylor McKee's 3 game-winning play off goals and the game-winning state championship clincher; and

WHEREAS, the Arrows have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Jeff Long and Assistant Coach Jake Martin, who have broadened the Arrows' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Jeff Long has brought additional honor to himself and to Clinton High School by being named the 2005-2006 South Sectional High School Coach of the Year and one of four coaches nationwide nominated for the National High School Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Arrows have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and supporters whose moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the Arrows 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 Clinton High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth 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 hereby commend and congratulate the Clinton High School Arrows Soccer Team and their coaches, Head Coach Jeff Long and Assistant Coach Jake Martin for their phenomenal 2005-2006 season, for winning the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Clinton High School, Head Coach Jeff Long, Assistant Coach Jake Martin and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.