MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Martinson, Baker (74th), Blackmon, Coleman (65th), Denny, Gunn, Smith (27th)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MADISON-RIDGELAND ACADEMY PATRIOTS BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS ON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI PRIVATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OVERALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
WHEREAS, the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots Boys and Girls Basketball Teams made history by winning the Mississippi Private School Association (MPSA) Overall State Championships; and
WHEREAS, the Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA) Patriots and Lady Patriots have never won the boys and girls MPSA Overall State Championship simultaneously in the school's history, until this outstanding victory, and the last time such a remarkable accomplishment was made in the MPSA was 26 years ago; and
WHEREAS, throughout their outstanding seasons, the Lady Patriots and Patriots participated in several playoffs, which included victories as the AAA Division I Champions and the AAA Champions; and
WHEREAS, coached by Stephen Force, the Lady Patriots had an impressive record of 39-6 for the year, and the boys who are coached by Richard Duease had an outstanding record of 36-4; and
WHEREAS, during the overall tournament, the Lady Patriots outscored their opponents by a combined score of 149-124, and the Patriots had a combined score of 202-142 which demonstrates the talents and skills that the team members displayed; and
WHEREAS, the Patriots' win in the overall tournament was made even more memorable because the boys team's head coach, Richard Duease, had undergone successful heart surgery the very day of the tournament and the team was even more inspired to win while they were skillfully guided in the tournament by Coach Ross Hailey; and
WHEREAS, Coach Duease and Coach Force superbly coached and inspired the Patriots and Lady Patriots and broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and
WHEREAS, the MRA Patriots and Lady Patriots have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring great honor to MRA; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, such as the athletic superiority of the MRA Lady Patriots and Patriots, especially when displayed by the young people of our state, who are its future:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Boys and Girls Basketball Teams and Coaches Duease, Hailey and Force for their outstanding 2006-2007 season, for winning the MPSA Overall Tournament State Championships and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Coaches Duease, Hailey and Force and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.