MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Young, Bourdeaux, Horne, Robinson (84th)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. CASEY HENRY ON BEING NAMED THE 1998 BELLSOUTH MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AT THE 1998 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Mr. Casey Henry, a resident of Shannon, Mississippi, was named the 1998 BellSouth Male Athlete of the Year, which is a program that strives to honor athletes who represent pride in personal achievement, physical fitness and teamwork along with exemplary motivation, attitude and sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, the 1998 State Games of Mississippi were held in Meridian on June 19-28, 1998, where more than 4,400 athletes ranging in age from 4 to 84 competed in 22 sports; and

WHEREAS, the State Games of Mississippi bring together amateur athletes from across the state to compete in an Olympic atmosphere, complete with opening ceremonies, lighting of the torch and a parade of athletes vying for gold, silver and bronze medals; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Henry is a 20-year-old, National Merit Scholarship recipient currently majoring in chemical engineering at Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Henry's diverse sporting skills include scuba diving, long-distance running, racquetball, softball, volleyball, archery, rappelling, frisbee throwing, hiking, fishing and hunting; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Henry began his Judo career only four years ago when he was a student at the Mississippi School for Math and Science, where he joined the Judo Club; and

WHEREAS, in only a short time, Mr. Henry has advanced to a third degree brown belt and is currently a black belt candidate; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Henry works with young judo students as an assistant instructor at the Starkville Martial Arts Academy, advising them on the techniques and encouraging them to meet their challenges; and

WHEREAS, having competed in the State Games for the last three years, Mr. Henry has taken home a total of five medals in Judo, winning two silver medals in his first year of competition; and

WHEREAS, only weeks after foot surgery and a recommendation by his doctor not to compete, Mr. Henry's determination and competitive spirit had him back at the State Games his second year earning a gold and a bronze medal; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Henry took home the gold for the second consecutive time in his weight division in the 1998 State Games; and

WHEREAS, exemplifying sportsmanship, effort and a positive attitude, Mr. Henry was chosen the 1998 BellSouth Male Athlete of the Year for his golden participation and outstanding character traits; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Henry will have the opportunity to be one of the official torch runners in the 1999 State Games opening ceremonies and work with the State Games of Mississippi throughout the year to promote athletics for all Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Casey Henry of Shannon, Mississippi, on being named the 1998 BellSouth Male Athlete of the Year at the 1998 State Games of Mississippi, and extend our heartiest wishes to him for every success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Casey Henry and the Capitol Press Corps.