Senate Concurrent Resolution 601

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL "RANGERS" SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOHN ADAMS FOR WINNING THE 2019 MHSAA CLASS 4A BOYS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, THE FIRST-EVER STATE TITLE IN ANY SPORT IN THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY.

WHEREAS, on February 9, 2019, the Richland High School "Rangers" Boys Soccer Team defeated West Lauderdale 2-1 to win the 2019 Mississippi High School Activities (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, in just the fifth minute of play, West Lauderdale's Cameron McClinton found the back of the net and gave West Lauderdale an early 1-0 lead in the MHSAA Class 4A Boys Soccer State Championship Game on Saturday, February 9th, at Ridgeland High School, while opponent Richland tied the game in the 19th minute, sending the game into the half tied 1-1; and

WHEREAS, Gregory Anderson scored Richland's first goal in the 19th minute off a penalty kick and his second with five minutes remaining on a breakaway. Despite West Lauderdale pushing the ball up the field several more times, Richland's defense did its part, along with Goalkeeper Lane Mims, with 30 saves, keeping the Knights from scoring, securing the 2-1 win; and

WHEREAS, Gregory Anderson's pair of goals captured the first-ever State Title in any sport in the school's history. Richland finished the season at 11-7-4. Gregory Anderson was selected the Richland Soccer "Player of the Game"; and

WHEREAS, the 2019 Rangers Soccer Team Championship Roster is: Logan Bynum, D; Matt Taylor; D.J. McElroy, All-District Award, MF, D, STRK; Harvin Rivera, MF; Eduardo Arrellano; Billy Guevara, Offensive Most Valuable Player Award, MF, FORW; Alan Gutierrez, FORW, MF; Jose Gutierriz, FORW, D; Alex Mariano, All-District Award, STRK, MF; Gregory Anderson, All-Around Most Valuable Player Award, FORW, MF; Wilmer Martinez, FORW; Cameron Allison, All-District Award, D; Benji Hernandez, All-District Award; Nathan Smith, D; Gerardo Paredes, MF, FORW; Ajari Fairley, FORW; Jacob Young, All-District Award, MF, STRK; Hagan Roberts, All-District Award, MF, D; Gerardo (Chino) Hernandez, MF, FORW; Felix Pena; Ruben Harris; Gabe Denham, GK; and Lane Mims, Most Valuable Defensive Player Award, GK; Head Coach John Adams; Assistant Coach Caleb Wolfe; and Athletic Director Trey Bailey; and it is with great pride that we recognize this special group 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 Richland "Rangers" Soccer Team and Head Coach John Adams for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship, the first-ever State Title in any sport in the school's history, and extend to the team members, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach John Adams for the team and Richland High School Principal Dr. Scott Rimes, forwarded to the Rankin County School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.