House Resolution 26

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2017 PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEN'S SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH DREW GALLANT UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES REGION 23 STATE SOCCER TOURNAMENT.

WHEREAS, the Pearl River Community College Men's Soccer Team finished the 2017 season with their fifth state title in the last six seasons when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Region 23 State Soccer Tournament; and

WHEREAS, similar to the agile, ferocious feline for which they are named, the Wildcats Soccer Team wielded its exceptionally powerful bite to pierce through the state championship dreams of each of their opponents in the state playoffs, edging out Hinds 1-0 in the opening round and then pulverizing East Central 3-0 in the semifinals; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Wildcats outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to win 4-1 after two scoreless halves that left fans on the edge of their seats until the shootout was over, during which time redshirt freshman and goalie Kobe Lie stopped the first two shots to pave the way to victory and Jevaun Ennis, Bo Bowman, Bradford Clark and Kyle Estess each made their shots to solidify victory for the Wildcats; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats defense, comprised of grit, fortitude and determination, erected a stone wall that helped secure the championship victory, and the dedication and athletic prowess of the offensive players helped them become game changers during the championship match, ensuring the revered title trophy returned to the Pearl River Community College trophy case; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 Wildcats team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Pearl River Community College Wildcats have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Drew Gallant, who has broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Wildcats have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches, bringing honor to Pearl River Community College; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Pearl River Community College Men's Soccer Team, whose excellence and athletic prowess on the field bring honor to their school, their community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2017 Pearl River Community College Men's Soccer Team and Head Coach Drew Gallant upon winning the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Region 23 State Soccer Tournament, their fifth state title in six seasons, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Drew Gallant and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.