House Resolution 106

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON PREP "PATRIOTS" SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH JON MARCUS DUNCAN FOR WINNING THE 2023-2024 MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) DIVISION 1 STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP AND 15TH TIME IN ITS PROGRAM'S HISTORY.

WHEREAS, for the first time since 2020, the Jackson Prep "Patriots" Boys Soccer Team won the MAIS Division 1 State Championship, a hard fought victory that also cements the Patriots' legacy as 15-time champions in its boys soccer program's history; and

WHEREAS, proving hard work and diligence are the keys to success, the Patriots, 18-5-2 in overall season play and 9-1 in district play, ensured their historic program victory with a 3-0 win over Presbyterian Christian High School on February 15, 2024, after previously ousting well-contended opponents in Jackson Academy (4-0), Hartfield Academy (1-1) and St. Joseph Catholic (8-0); and

WHEREAS, Jackson Prep had bested Presbyterian Christian in the earlier of two season match ups, and maintained that momentum in the championship match, never turning back as they marched home victoriously; and

WHEREAS, Coach Jon Marcus Duncan's superb leadership has refined the team's skills and his precision of execution has lauded him with a overall record of 828-163-59 as head coach for both the boys and girls soccer teams at Jackson Prep, making him one of the most successful high school soccer coaches in Mississippi History, just four wins shy of claiming the most wins by a Mississippi high school soccer coach; and

WHEREAS, the Patriots' winning attitude, outstanding sportsmanship and eagle eyes on their program all season, helped the team finish the season with a final ranking as the No. 70 team in the nation by Max Preps and a No. 10 ranking within the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Patriots Championship Roster is comprised of: Austin Craft, Cole Cress, Warner Russ, Cooper McCearley, Luke Smith, Wilson Berry, Matthew Mehrle, Clayton Upchurch, Thomas Werne, Elliot Davis, Ty Davidson, Christopher Owen, Major Quin, Walker Dreher, Thomas Hewitt Oswalt, Rhodes Morgan, Sam Sherman, Worth Mgehee, Robert Fletcher, Will Ferguson, Mason McCain and Caleb Gutterez; and

WHEREAS, led by senior captains, Cole Cress, Austin Craft and Wilson Berry, six Patriots were named to the MAIS All Star game, which recognizes senior players who excelled during the season, including: Luke Smith, Austin Craft, Cole Cress, Wilson Berry, Cooper McCarley and Matthew Mehrle; and

WHEREAS, in addition to Cole Cress being named MVP for the blue team in the All Star game, honors abounded for multiple members of the Patriots teams, which include: the selection of Cole Cress, Austin Craft, Wilson Berry, Luke Smith, Matthew Mehrle and Elliot Davis for the MAIS All Conference Team; and the naming of Thomas Werne, Christopher Owen and Worth Mgehee to the Future All Star game; and

WHEREAS, assisting Coach Duncan in providing a heightened caliber of leadership that builds upon the continuing legacy of excellence demonstrated by the team's sportsmanship, championship play and champion's mentality, are T.J. Busin and Ami Powell, whose key contributions to the team's development and athletic success; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that we celebrate 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson Prep "Patriots" Soccer Team and Coach Jon Marcus Duncan for winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Division 1 State Soccer Championship, and extend best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Jon Marcus Duncan for the team, to Jackson Prep Head of School, Lawrence Coco, III, the board of trustees of Jackson Prep and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.