House Resolution 137

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. CRAIG NEWTON UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY'S CLASS OF 2024 SPORTS HALL OF FAME.

WHEREAS, Mr. Craig Newton is being honored upon the auspicious occasion of being inducted into Delta State University's Class of 2024 Sports Hall of Fame due to his outstanding contributions to America's favorite pastime - baseball; and

WHEREAS, before attending Delta State University (DSU), Mr. Newton, who credited his toughness to his loving parents, was a standout student-athlete at Warren Central High, which is located in his hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he was instrumental in helping turn around the baseball program under the leadership of Coach Sam Temple; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Warren Central and upon his arrival to DSU, Mr. Newton made an indelible mark as a catcher who was known for brilliant calls and leadership skills for the Statesmen from 2002-2005; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Newton was a contributing member of DSU's baseball team that went on to capture the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship and this great victory for DSU was the Statesmen's first ever Division II World Series title that followed a 12-8 win over Grand Valley State (Michigan), and this history making win for DSU was played in Montgomery, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Newton, who is no stranger to accolades, was also inducted into the Delta State Student Hall of Fame in 2004-2005 due to his all-round athletic and academic pursuits; and

WHEREAS, while at DSU, where he earned a bachelors degree in business, Mr. Newton was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference (GSC), All-Region and All-American, and he was named the GSC Player of the Year in 2005, and he hit 40 career home runs with three of those in the 2004 World Series; and

WHEREAS, notably, Mr. Newton in 224 career games played, scored 206 runs with 243 hits and 210 runs batted in, and he was named a Ferris Trophy finalist, which is a prestigious award given to the best collegiate baseball player in Mississippi, and to top off his brilliant baseball career, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005, which spoke to the talent and skills he executed; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor a great Mississippian and iconic athlete such as Mr. Craig Newton who has always had a heart for baseball and whose contributions to America's favorite pastime has brought great pride to his hometown of Vicksburg, Delta State University and the Magnolia State as well as the overall sporting community as a whole:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Craig Newton upon his induction into Delta State University's Class of 2024 Sports Hall of Fame and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Craig Newton and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.