Senate Resolution 39

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HARTFIELD ACADEMY "HAWKS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CRAIG BOWMAN FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST-EVER MAIS 6A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, history was made on November 18, 2023, as the Hartfield Academy "Hawks" football team secured its first-ever MAIS 6A State Championship, solidifying an undefeated season with a flawless 14-0 record. The championship game, against rival Jackson Prep, unfolded at Mississippi College, marking a significant milestone in the school's athletic history; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Head Coach Craig Bowman, who took leadership in July 2020, the team displayed exceptional skill, teamwork and resilience throughout the season. Coach Bowman's record of 41 wins and 9 losses since joining the program attests to the transformative impact he has had on the team; and

WHEREAS, the Hartfield Academy football team finished their 2023 season undefeated and secured their first state championship as a program. The "Hawks" shut out defending champion Jackson Prep 21-0 and finished their season 14-0; and

WHEREAS, in talking with Coach Bowman after the win, he shared his favorite memories and reflections on the championship team's journey. "I took over this program in July of 2020, and from that moment, there were several things I wanted our players to understand and embrace. The first thing was our 'ALL IN' theme. First, we want them to be all in with their faith. Second, to be all in with their family. Then their academics, and finally with football. Championships are fun and bring a lot of excitement, but we are unwilling to compromise the message of our faith for the trophy given at the end of a season"; and

WHEREAS, the Hartfield Academy 2023-2024 varsity football championship roster: Kenzy West, Bralan Womack, Kaden Catchings, Twaskie Jones, Chris Jones, Bralen Steele, Jaxon Jenkins, Cooper Howard, Josh Wooten, Reed Jesiolowski, Cayman Tapper, Connor Elliott, Reginald Vaughn, Hayden McMinn, Dereck Lazo, L.J. Davis, Woods Roberson, Alex Rushing, Sam Sheffield, Spence Bradshaw, John Davis, Brayden Graham, Reid Gaston, Brandon A. Turner, Brad Myers, John Shimfessel, Silas Sorey, Ian Hollingsworth, London Simmons, Jaden Stingley, Jordyn Erves, Cooper Clark, Coleman Williams, Payne Weaver, Sam Stumph, Cole Stumph, Xavier Horne, Antonio Ross, Jr., Jeremy Kersh, Skye Dilworth, Colby Kelly and Head Coach Craig Bowman; and

WHEREAS, we join the Hartfield Academy community, players and fans in celebrating this historic win, cherishing the memories of a season that will be remembered for years to come, leaving a mark on Hartfield's legacy:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Hartfield Academy "Hawks" Football Team and Head Coach Craig Bowman for winning their first-ever MAIS 6A State Football Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, faculty and students our best wishes for continued athletic and academic success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Craig Bowman for the team, forwarded to the Principal David Horner and Board of Trustees of Hartfield Academy and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.