MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Markham, Miles

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SMITHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SEMINOLES FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 1998-1999 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Smithville High School Seminoles Football Team finished the 1998-1999 season with a remarkable record of 14 wins and no losses; and

WHEREAS, the Seminoles fought and defeated Noxapater, Vardaman and Durant in the state playoffs and won the Class 1A State Championship by defeating Pelahatchie; and

WHEREAS, the Seminoles set a new school record, scoring a total of 621 points during the season while limiting their opponents to a total of only 252 points; and

WHEREAS, the Smithville High School Seminoles averaged 44.3 points per game, which was the highest in the state for all classifications;

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated play this season, including: the naming of Matt Grier to the All-State Team; the selection of Matt Grier, Willie Lopez and Jordan Summerford to the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal All-Area; the naming of Howard Denson, Randy Duncan, Chad Gipson, Matt Grier, John Harris, Willie Lopez and Jordan Summerford to the First Team All-Division 1 Class 1A; the selection of Matt Grier and Willie Lopez as The Clarion-Ledger Player of the Week; and the naming of Matt Grier as the All-Division 1 Class 1A Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, the Smithville High School Seminoles have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Dwight Bowling and Assistant Coaches Shay Cooper, Lee Gardner and Phil Webb, who have broadened the Seminoles' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Bowling has brought additional honor to Smithville High School for being named the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Coach of the Year and The Clarion-Ledger Coach of the Week; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Coaches Shay Cooper, Lee Gardner and Phil Webb were selected as the Monroe County Coaching Staff of the Year and the Division 1 Class 1A Coaching Staff of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Smithville won the State Championship in 1993, but this is the first undefeated state championship team in the school's history; and

WHEREAS, the Seminoles have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Smithville 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, 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 Smithville High School Seminoles Football Team and their coaches, Head Coach Dwight Bowling and Assistant Coaches Shay Cooper, Lee Gardner and Phil Webb, for their phenomenal 1998-1999 season, for winning the Class 1A Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Smithville High School, Head Coach Dwight Bowling and Assistant Coaches Shay Cooper, Lee Gardner and Phil Webb.