MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing, Carlton, Simmons, Furniss, Gordon, Huggins, Posey, Carmichael, Hyde-Smith, Robertson, Burton, Williamson, Chamberlin, Dawkins, Kirby, White (29th), Frazier, Harden, Moffatt, Ross, Farris, Tollison, Horhn, Canon, Dickerson, Little, Mettetal, Browning, Lee, Nunnelee, Scoper, Hewes, Minor, Thames, Gollott, Smith

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY "FIGHTING OKRA" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH STEVE CAMPBELL FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Delta State University "Fighting Okra" Football Team has won the NCAA Division II National Championship, its first National Championship, by trouncing Bloomsburg State 63-34; and

WHEREAS, as a result of this championship, the Statesmen were ranked Number 1 in the Division II football poll by U.S.A. Today; and

WHEREAS, eighteen of the 27 teams that scored first have won the Division II National Championship, but Delta State overcame Bloomsburg in Florence, Alabama, scoring first, and the Statesmen also overcame their first post-season deficit; and

WHEREAS, in the championship game Delta State, led by Junior Quarterback Josh Bright and Coach of the Year Steve Campbell, would establish four new NCAA records, as the Statesmen scored the most points in the game since Northwest Missouri scored 58 last season, and would also set a new game rushing record with 524 yards rushing, while accumulating 649 yards total offense, also a new NCAA record along with 36 first downs in the game, also a new NCAA mark; and

WHEREAS, Delta State finished the year 14-1; and

WHEREAS, prior to the Division II Championship game, the Statesmen defeated North Dakota State 36-16 in the semifinals, held off Catawba College 20-14 in the quarter-finals, and in front of the home crowd at Travis E. Parker Field convincingly defeated Valdosta State 49-12 in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs; and

WHEREAS, versatile Quarterback Josh Bright is the second winner from Delta State to win the coveted Conerly Trophy, and Coach Steve Campbell and his staff are gaining quite a reputation as they lead the Statesmen to excellence; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the singular achievement of this talented group of student-athletes, who have brought great honor to their university, their fans, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Delta State University "Fighting Okra" Football Team and Coach Steve Campbell, for winning the NCAA Division II National Championship, their first national championship, and wish them continued success in their future athletic and scholastic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the "Fighting Okra" Football Team and Coach Campbell and his staff, and be forwarded to the President of Delta State University and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.