Senate Resolution 17

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL RIVER CENTRAL "BLUE DEVILS" BASEBALL TEAM AND COACH NEIL WALTHER FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST-EVER STATE 5A CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the long-awaited drought is over for Pearl River Central (PRC) High School Baseball Team. Behind a big fourth inning, the Blue Devils got past two-time defending Champion Oxford 7-3 to claim the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship on May 20, 2017, at Trustmark Park. It is the Blue Devils first State Title in school history; and

WHEREAS, "It has been our pattern all season if we can hang around and then have one big inning we will be fine," said Pearl River Central Coach Neil Walther. "This one is for everyone who has been a part of the PRC program." With the title-clinching win, Coach Walther noted just how big the win was for his team and the community as a whole and how this win could propel them right into next season as they try to make it back to Trustmark Park to play for another Championship. "I think it's huge for the community," said Coach Walther. "These guys came out in great numbers in all three games. They'll come out and support all of the programs. It's big, not only for our community but also for our younger kids who are going to be coming up in our program"; and

WHEREAS, down 2-1 heading to the top of the fourth, the Blue Devils scored five runs on four hits, highlighted by a two-run double by Zach Roussell. That gave Pearl River Central its first lead of the game at 4-2. Austen Izzio also had a run-scoring single for the Blue Devils. Cade Lee (8-0) got the win on the mound for PRC. He went 6.2 innings, gave up seven hits, allowed three earned runs, walked one, and struck out five. Austen Izzio had three hits to lead PRC; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils Baseball Championship Team Roster is as follows: Brodie Albritton, 2B; Zach Roussell, LF; Conner Holston, DH; Mason Treat, SS; Austen Izzio, 3B, RHP; Eathan Songy, 2B; Caleb Tynes, RF; Austin Diebold, 2B; Cameron Brunson, 3B, P, C; Cade Lee, 2B, RHP; Blake Craft, LHP; Eli Lee, 1B; Blaine Catoire, 1B; Josh Hansen, C; Landon Williams, RHP; Josh Kennedy, 3B, 2B, C; Josh Martinez; Hunter Marshall, RF, RHP; Tristan Schlottman, CF, 3B; Cameron Morel, CF; Hayden LeBeau, LHP, LF; Rigell Robinson, RHP; Ghaige Horne, LF; Austin Dean, RHP, 1B; Elliott Neuman, RHP; and Hayden Dunhurst, C, OF; and Coach Neil Walther; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought a special 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 Pearl River Central "Blue Devils" Baseball Team and Coach Neil Walther for winning their first-ever State 5A Championship, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Neil Walther and Pearl River Central Principal Stacy Baudoin, forwarded to the Pearl River County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.