MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Foster

House Resolution 131

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE EAGLES TRACK AND FIELD TEAMS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION TRACK AND FIELD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.

     WHEREAS, the Hinds Community College Eagles Track and Field Teams concluded their memorable indoor season at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Track and Field National Championships in Topeka, Kansas, that took place on March 3-4, 2023; and

     WHEREAS, remarkably, the women's team is 10th in the nation out of 48 teams, and the men's team is 12th in the nation out of 50 teams; and

     WHEREAS, sophomore Diandrenique Gaines earned National Runner-Up status in the 60-meter dash and in the 200-meter dash, and finished the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.42, and crossed the finish line in the 200-meter dash at the 23.98 mark; and

     WHEREAS, sophomore sprinter Dapriest Hogans finished in 2nd place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 20.86, to become a National Runner-Up for the Eagles; and

     WHEREAS, the Eagles had eight individuals and one relay to finish in the top seven in the National Championships, in which 11 athletes earned All-American status in nine events; and

     WHEREAS, the women's finalists and point scorers include the following exceptional athletes:  Diandrenique Gaines, of Port Gibson, Mississippi, who earned National Runner-Up status in the 60-meter dash and in the 200-meter dash, finished the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.42, and crossed the finish line in the 200-meter dash at the 23.98 mark; JodyAnn Dixon, of Jamaica, 400 meters – 54.78 – 4th and 60 hurdles – 8.74 – 7th; and in the 4x400 relay, 3:51.46 – 5th: Kaylin Robinson, of Jackson, Mississippi; Kiersten Clark, of Batesville, Mississippi; Brianna Charles, of Guyana; and Brooke Gray, of Brighton, Michigan; and

     WHEREAS, the men's finalist and point scorers include the following noteworthy athletes:  Dapriest Hogans, of Opelousas, Louisiana, who earned 2nd place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 20.86, to become a National Runner-Up and 60 meters – 6.73 – 5th; Aaron Fortenberry, of Brandon, Mississippi, pole vault – 4.58m – 3rd; and Kareem Nazim, of Carrolton, Georgia, pole vault – 4.43m – 5th; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend distinguished student-athletes, especially those such as the Hinds Community College Eagles Track and Field Teams, whose superb accomplishments and athletic excellence brings honor to Hinds Community College:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the Hinds Community College Eagles Track and Field Teams and Head Track and Field Coach, Mr. Reginald Dillon, for their outstanding achievements at the National Junior College Athletic Association Track and Field National Championships, and extend best wishes to the teams for continued success in all their future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Track and Field Coach, Mr. Reginald Dillon and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.