House Concurrent Resolution 2

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WARREN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS SWIMMING TEAMS AND COACH TERRY WONG UPON WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS II STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, the Warren Central High School Vikings Boys and Girls Swim Teams made school history, as this was the first state championships won by these remarkable teams, by capturing the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class II State Championship; and

WHEREAS, this historic feat for these talented teams solidified Warren Central's having one of the top swimming programs in the state, because prior to the state championship wins, the boys' team won three consecutive district championships under Coach Wong's leadership; and

WHEREAS, during the state championship meet, which was held on October 18, 2025, in Tupelo, Mississippi, the girls' team came away as co-champions with West Jones High School while the boys' team finished in first by 20 points over their runner up, Pearl River Central High School; and

WHEREAS, notably, the girls' team of Kara Rowe, Addison Billings, Avery Greer and Ella Opperman won the 400 freestyle in a time of 4:08.10 - 11 seconds ahead of West Jones - to force the tie at the top of the team standings, and the girls' team of Sicily Smith, Rowe, Greer and Billings won the 200 medley relay in a time of 2:04.69; and

WHEREAS, the boys' team won two relays, first taking the 200 medley relay in a time of 1:49.20 behind the quartet of James McKenna, Thomas Kilroy, Ace Orosco and Jacob Byrd, and the boys won the 400 free relay in a time of 3:34.07 with this same foursome but with a different order of McKenna, Kilroy, Byrd and Orosco; and

WHEREAS, although the boys and girls teams in their entirety were dynamic in their performances, as they won four relay events and had 19 top-four finishes, additional honor was bestowed upon Avery Greer and Jacob Byrd who won individual titles in the girls 200 yard and boys 500 yard freestyle, respectively; and

WHEREAS, the Vikings swim teams have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Terry Wong who has broadened and refined the team members skills in execution, which has cumulated into a history making dual championships for the Vikings and speaks great volumes of his outstanding leadership that ultimately inspired these winning teams; and

WHEREAS, the Vikings have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the administration, staff, many parents, fans and overall supporters whose moral and spiritual encouragement remained fervent throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the Vikings have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual team members and Coach Wong and bring honor to Warren Central High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state such as the Warren Central High School Vikings swim teams, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend and congratulate the Warren Central High School Vikings Boys and Girls Swim Teams and Head Coach Terry Wong for their outstanding season, for winning the 2025 MHSAA Class II State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Warren Central High School, Coach Terry Wong and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.