House Resolution 35

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL RANGERS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOHN ADAMS FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN FOUR SEASONS.

WHEREAS, the Richland High School Rangers Soccer Team finished the 2021-2022 season with their second state title in four years, after reigning victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A Boys Soccer State Championship on Saturday, February 5, 2022, finishing the season with an impressive 16-8 record; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Rangers Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the Bay High School Tigers 2-0 to secure the championship trophy, solidifying their rightful place in the registries of sports and school history; and

WHEREAS, senior and game MVP, Jose Guiterres scored off a corner kick four minutes into the game, and Charles Williams scored on an assist from Jacob Young with 11 minutes to play for Richland's two goals, with the offensive and defensive maneuverings of their fellow teammates whose hunger for the win fueled the team's perseverance to erect a stone wall guided by the true grit, fortitude and determination of each Ranger; and

WHEREAS, the 2021-2022 Rangers 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 2022 Richland High School Rangers Championship roster is comprised of the following athletes: Seniors: Ajari Fairley, Cameron Allison, Logan Bynum, Jacob Young, Jose Chavez-Gutierrez, Benji Hernandez, Chino Gerado Hernandez, Alex Mariano-Gregorio, Nathan Smith, Carson Rimes; Juniors: Jose Arellano, Garrett Myers, Jameson Miller, Jeremy Thomas, Braden Clark, Michael Mendoza; Sophomores: William Guevara, Garrett Burney, Noah Rayburn, Kevin Ragoyta, Orlando Zarazua, Jordan Jones; Freshman: Charles Williams, Gavin Myers, Abram Yates, Cooper Hammons, Harrison Rudd, Nolan Smith, Eric Zarazua, Noah Aldridge, William Boiling Jr.; Manager, Yesi Baltazar-Diego; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach John Adams, and assistant coaches, Corey Myers, and Blake Windham, who have broadened the Rangers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Adams 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 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 Richland High School Rangers Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom bring honor to their school, 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 Richland High School Rangers Soccer Team, Head Coach John Adams, and assistant coaches, Corey Myers and Blake Windham, for winning the 2021-2022 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach John Adams, Richland High School Principal Dr. Marcus Stewart, the Rankin County Board of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.