Senate Resolution 49

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAFAYETTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL "COMMODORES" BOYS BOWLING TEAM AND HEAD COACH KELLE SUMRALL FOR WINNING CONSECUTIVE STATE MHSAA CLASS II CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, for the second time in two years, the Lafayette County High School Boys Bowling Team are the kings of MHSAA Class II; and

WHEREAS, defeating Long Beach 3-2 in a Baker playoff on February 12, 2020, in Jackson, the Commodore boys came back to win their second-straight State Championship; and

WHEREAS, "It was great. It was intense," Head Coach Kelle Sumrall said. "These guys have been amazing. They weren't shocked; they knew they could do it. The team was incredible"; and

WHEREAS, after finishing second to Long Beach in a field of eight schools to advance to the Baker playoff, the Commodores needed all five of the best-of-five matches to win. Twice, winning the first and third sets, the Lafayette boys got on top. Twice Long Beach tied it up, leading to the winner-take-all final set. For a Commodore team that had its ups and downs in 2020, despite all the success, being able to pull through in the end to win meant everything; and

WHEREAS, of the six starting bowlers for Lafayette this season, three are seniors: DC Bumgardner, Nick Cohen and Matthew Atkinson. They will end their careers on the highest note. Other team members are: Jakob Robertson, Xavier Wallace, Levi Freeman and Tyler Coleman; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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, That we commend and congratulate the Lafayette County High School "Commodores" Boys Bowling Team and Head Coach Kelle Sumrall for winning consecutive State MHSAA Class II Championships, and we extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Kelle Sumrall for the team, forwarded to Lafayette County High School Principal, Dr. Glenn Kitchens, and the Lafayette County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.