House Resolution 42

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE PEARL RIVER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS BASEBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE 2017 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, on May 20, 2017, the Pearl River Central High School Blue Devils Baseball Team finished the 2017 season in an outstanding fashion, reigning victorious at the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship against Oxford High School and taking home the trophy for the first time in school history; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils were down 2-1 heading to the top of the fourth inning, but the team took charge by scoring five runs on four hits, highlighted by a two-run double by Zach Roussell, which gave the Blue Devils the first lead of the game at 4-2, with Austin Izzio also having a run scoring single for the team; and

WHEREAS, with Cade Lee getting the win on the mound for the Blue Devils, finishing the season with an 8-0 record, the team toppled the two-time defending champion Oxford High School by a final score of 7-3 to claim the ultimate victory and to set a milestone in the school record book; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive and there were many outstanding plays by individual team members, but the key to the team's success throughout the season has been the team's remarkable team spirit and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils are comprised of the following exceptional student-athletes: Brodie Albritton, Zach Roussell, Cameron Brunson, Mason Treat, Austen Izzio, Nolan Walther, Caleb Tynes, Austin Diebold, Robert Shoemake, Hunter Black, Blake Craft, Eli Lee, Blaine Catoire, Josh Hansen, Landon Williams, Josh Kennedy, Thomas Crenshaw, Hunter Marshall, Tristan Schlottman, Ethan Songy, Ethan Everett, Brock Craft, Rigell Robinson, Dylan Brown, Austin Dean, Elliot Neumann and Hayden Dunhurst; and Head Coach Neil Walther; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils have been superbly coached and inspired by Coach Walther, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game, refined their skills in execution and helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellent student-athletes, such as the Pearl River Central High School Blue Devils Baseball Team, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to 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 Pearl Central High School Blue Devils Baseball Team and Head Coach Neil Walther for their outstanding season and for winning the 2017 MHSAA Class 5A State Championship for the first time in school history, and extend to the team best wishes for future success.

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