MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Clarke, Middleton, West, Banks, Blackmon, Bowles, Bozeman, Broomfield, Cameron, Chaney, Clark, Coleman (65th), Dickson, Ellington, Ellis, Flaggs, Fleming, Gibbs, Howell, Hudson, Ishee, Ketchings, Martinson, Morris, Nettles, Perkins, Read, Reeves, Roberson, Robertson, Robinson (84th), Robinson (63rd), Scott (17th), Simmons, Smith (59th), Smith (27th), Stevens, Thomas, Vince, Walker, Wallace, Wells-Smith, Young

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES BASKETBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SEASON AND FOR WINNING A BID TO THE NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT.

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University Braves Basketball Team finished the 1998-1999 basketball season with an outstanding record of 23 wins and only 6 losses; and

WHEREAS, for the first time in 15 years, the Braves, seeded 15 in the West bracket, were given a bid to play in the NCAA Basketball Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Alcorn State University Braves played against their toughest opponent, the number two seeded Stanford University, on March 11, 1999, in Seattle, Washington; and

WHEREAS, after falling behind by 15 points early in the game, the Braves rallied and tied the game on two different occasions late in the second half before falling to the Stanford Cardinals in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Braves have been superbly coached and inspired by the legendary Coach Davey Whitney, known as the "Wiz," who has broadened the players knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, having coached for 23 years at Alcorn State University, Coach Whitney has led the Braves to victories in three of its first four NCAA Tournament appearances in 1980, 1983 and 1984; and

WHEREAS, upon their arrival back home, the Braves and Coach Whitney were greeted with a county patrol 50-car escort from Highway 61 to the Alcorn State University campus, where over 200 people gathered for a special ceremony in recognition of their remarkable performance against Stanford; and

WHEREAS, the Braves 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 Alcorn State University; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young people 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 Alcorn State University Braves Basketball Team and Head Coach Davey Whitney for their phenomenal 1998-1999 season, for winning a bid to the NCAA Basketball Tournament and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Alcorn State University, Head Coach Davey Whitney and members of the Capitol Press Corps.