MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Read

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE GAUTIER HIGH SCHOOL GATORS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 1998 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE DISTRICT 8 CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Gautier High School Gators Football Team finished the regular season with a perfect record of 11 wins and no losses for the second year in a row; and

WHEREAS, the Gators also won the District 8 Class 4A Championship and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs, despite injuries of several key players and significant coaching changes; and

WHEREAS, throughout the season, the Gators scored a total of 415 points and allowed their opponents to score a total of only 136 points; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed among the players, including the selection of Ray Ray Biviens, John Brady, Michael Burbage, Sidney Dumas, Kleon Irving, Muncie Jones and Travis Stephenson to the All-District Team; the naming of Sidney Dumas as the District's Most Valuable Offensive Back and the Sun Herald Player of the Year; and the selection of Travis Stephenson as the District's Most Valuable Defensive Back; and

WHEREAS, the Gators have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Donald Nelson and Assistant Coaches Eric Denmark, Leonard Fairley, Greg Freeman, Marcus High, Bob Ladnier, Robert Wells and Johnny Zelenka, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Donald Nelson has brought additional honor to Gautier High School by being named the District 8 Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Gators 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 Gautier High School; 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 Gautier High School Gators Football Team and Head Coach Donald Nelson and Assistant Coaches Eric Denmark, Leonard Fairley, Greg Freeman, Marcus High, Bob Ladnier, Robert Wells and Johnny Zelenka, for their outstanding 1998 season, for winning the District 8 Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Gautier High School, Head Coach Donald Nelson and Assistant Coaches Eric Denmark, Leonard Fairley, Greg Freeman, Marcus High, Bob Ladnier, Robert Wells and Johnny Zelenka and members of the Capitol Press Corps.