Senate Concurrent Resolution 581

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL HIGH SCHOOL "PIRATES" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH ANDY KIVLAN FOR WINNING THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Class 4A boys final on Saturday, February 10, 2007, was a soccer fan's dream come true. It featured two rivals, Pearl High School and Florence High School, meeting in what would be a "Rankin County War." Fans were treated to nasty collisions, diving saves, stellar play from both goal-keepers, maybe a thrown fist or two and plenty of offense; and

WHEREAS, Florence appeared to have the game won in the 45th minute when the Eagles had a 2-0 lead; however, the Pirates had an answer in Senior Forward David Slowik, who scored the winning goal seven minutes into overtime to lift Pearl to a 3-2 come-from-behind win in front of an estimated 800 fans at Millsaps' Harper Davis Field; and

WHEREAS, with his winning shot, preceded by goals from Dillon Walker and Chris Williams, the Pearl Pirates claimed their third consecutive Class 4A title; and

WHEREAS, first-year Pearl Coach Andy Kivlan got his third 4A title after winning two previous championships at St. Stanislaus. "It was pretty improbable," Kivlan said. "But you don't put anything past these kids. A lot of it had to do with heart and determination"; and

WHEREAS, Pearl (19-6-1) lost 13 Seniors from its previous two title-winning teams, and Coach Kivlan said the team had been challenged all year; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates defeated West Lauderdale, Oxford and Pontotoc in the playoffs prior to the State Championship victory over Florence and the team roster is as follows: Josh Beam (K); Dillon Walker (M); Kyle Collins (D); Manny Garcia (M); Steven Nelson (D); Adam Wade (D); Dusty Wilson (M); Kevin Clarke (F/M); Trey Fontaine (F/M); Tyler Love (D); Chris Williams (M); Josh Emmons (D/M); Andrew Black (D/M); Jonathan Jones (F/M); David Slowik (F); Josh Bailey (D); Joseph Logue (M); Justin Waite (M/F); Michael Scarborough (D/M); Michael Skaggs (M); Jonathan Logue (M); Kyle Thompson (F); John Wixson (K/M); Austin Coley (M); Eli McMillan (D); Eddie Ronquillo (F/M); Kyle Williams (M); Russell Williamson (M/D); Thomas Moore (F/M); and Nick Weeks (D); and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Pearl High School sports program to produce young men and women who have the capacity to be successful citizens in our highly competitive society, and it is with great pride that we recognize this unique achievement by a team 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, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Pearl High School "Pirates" Boys Soccer Team and Coach Andy Kivlan for winning their third consecutive Class 4A State Championship and extend to the team our best wishes for success in their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Athletic Director Woody Barnett and Coach Andy Kivlan for the team and be forwarded to the Board of Trustees of the Pearl Public School District and the Capitol Press Corps.