House Resolution 123

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ST. ALOYSIUS HIGH SCHOOL FLASHES BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND COACHES SCOTT MATHIS, PAT CHAMBERS AND THAD WADE FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST EVER MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CLASS AAA STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the St. Aloysius High School Flashes Boys Soccer Team finished the season with their first state title in school history when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAA Boys Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Flashes Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Starkville Academy 3-0 to win the championship game; and

WHEREAS, when the first goal by the Flashes went into the net, the team felt pretty good, when the second goal was scored, the Flashes breathed a little easier, and when the third and final goal was netted, the Flashes were on top of the world; and

WHEREAS, Ryan Theriot scored twice and set up Jack Dowe for the third Flashes goal, and Starkville Academy never had an opportunity to score an equalizer thanks to the stone wall erected by the grit, fortitude and determination of the Flashes' defense and goal keeper; and

WHEREAS, the Flashes 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 2018 St. Aloysius High School Flashes Boys Championship roster is comprised of the following athletes: Carson Collier, Randall Graves, Reed Bourne, Connor Smith, Kieran Theriot, Ben Ulery, Liam Walters, Thomas Dowe, Will Dowe, Wes Warnock, Lee Hanks, Ryan Theriot, Trip Curtis, Chuck Beamish, Brayden Roesch, Benjamen Lobred, Ethan Bagby, Dillon Chambers and Hayden Luke; and

WHEREAS, the Flashes have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Scott Mathis, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and the championship season would not have been possible without the assistance of Coach Pat Chambers and Coach Thad Wade; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Mathis, Chambers and Wade continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and the team's successful season; 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 St. Aloysius High School Flashes Boys Soccer Team, whose excellence on the pitch brings honor and glory to 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 St. Aloysius High School Flashes Boys Soccer Team and Coaches Scott Mathis, Pat Chambers and Thad Wade for winning their first ever Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA State Soccer Championship, 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 Scott Mathis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.