MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Simmons

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 1998 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 4A SOUTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, winning the Class 4A South State Championship, the Columbia High School Wildcats Football Team finished the regular season with a record of 12 wins and only three losses; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed among the players, including the selection of Dwayne Moree, Chad Porter, Todd Harmon, Rico Marks, T.J. Jackson, Jasper Loftin and Antoiuine Brown for All-District Honors; the naming of Jay Rayborn, Thad Akens and Michael Bradshaw as All-District Honorable Mention; the selection of Nick Davis as the Most Outstanding Linebacker; the naming of Steve Odom as Most Outstanding Back; the selection of Anthony Abram as Most Outstanding Defensive Back; and the naming of Donovan Walker as the Most Valuable Player for District 7-4A, to the All-State Second Team and the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star game; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Joey Porter and Assistant Coaches Tim Gatlin, Phelix Shoemaker, Steve Harmon and John McElroy, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats 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 coach and bring honor to Columbia High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi 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 commend and congratulate the Columbia High School Wildcats Football Team and Head Coach Joey Porter and Assistant Coaches Tim Gatlin, Phelix Shoemaker, Steve Harmon and John McElroy, for their outstanding 1998 season, for winning the Class 4A South State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Columbia High School, Head Coach Joey Porter and Assistant Coaches Tim Gatlin, Phelix Shoemaker, Steve Harmon and John McElroy and members of the Capitol Press Corps.