House Concurrent Resolution 53

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE BULLDOGS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JACK WRIGHT FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs Football Team and Head Coach Jack Wright completed an amazing 12-0 undefeated 2019 season and reigned supreme to win the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Football Championship, their fifth national football championship in school history; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs, whose superior season was driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, intensely amplified all of their hard work, motivation and audacity, which were so apparent all through the season, for the final game that ultimately separated the men from the boys to take down the previously undefeated Lackawanna College Falcons and take home the national football championship; and

WHEREAS, while the Bulldogs walked away with the trophy after the final score of 24-13, the championship game was a test of true Bulldogs' stamina, as it consisted of brutal physicality in the trenches and scores that kept fans on the edges of their seats until the last down was played at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas; and

WHEREAS, striving all season long to be the best football program in the state, the Bulldogs put aside the excitement, fanfare and attention to focus on the championship game and prepare as they had throughout the season, and that strategy, along with the monumental support from the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast community, helped solidify championship status for the Bulldogs; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Bulldogs faced some of the state's best contenders on the gridiron, but persevered to defeat them all and make their presence and talent known as gladiators of football; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding performances by individual players, but the key to the Bulldogs' consistent success has been the year-round hard work and tireless dedication; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, and each player made a substantial contribution that led to a historic season in the Bulldogs' football program; and

WHEREAS, Coach Wright has superbly coached and inspired the Bulldogs and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and he continues 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 his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, Coach Wright has brought additional honor to himself by becoming the second coach in NJCAA history to win a national championship at two different schools, winning his first championship at Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2015; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the outstanding achievements of student athletes, especially those such as the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs Football 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs Football Team and Head Coach Jack Wright for their outstanding season and for winning the NJCAA National Football Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

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