MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hamilton, Williamson

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ROY OSWALT OF WEIR, MISSISSIPPI, A MEMBER OF THE U.S. OLYMPIC BASEBALL TEAM THAT WON THE GOLD MEDAL AT THE 2000 SUMMER OLYMPICS.

WHEREAS, Roy Oswalt, the son of Billy and Jean Oswalt of Weir, Mississippi, was a member of the U.S. Olympic Baseball Team that garnered the gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, Australia; and

WHEREAS, through the years Choctaw County has produced its fair share of luminaries, ranging from the gamuts of entertainment, politics and sports; however, there is no doubt that the Town of Weir has done more than its share in contributing its native son, Roy Oswalt, to this large pinnacle in the sporting world; and

WHEREAS, previously only collegiate players were allowed to play on the Olympic team, but this year players from the minor leagues qualified to compete; and

WHEREAS, Roy is a 1995 graduate of Weir, playing football as well as baseball for the Lions; after two years at Holmes Community College (he was drafted by the Houston Astros as a freshman), he decided to give the pro game a try, even though he was offered a scholarship by Mississippi State University and Louisiana State University; he has been playing for the Astros' farm team in Round Rock which is owned by former Astros and Rangers pitcher, Nolan Ryan; and

WHEREAS, at least 1,000 names were in the running to represent the United States in Sydney, and Oswalt's name was selected halfway through the process; and

WHEREAS, of the many games the Olympians had to play, including the preliminaries and the elimination games, the best games Oswalt said he played were the semifinal game against Cuba, and the games against Korea and Japan; and

WHEREAS, Roy will treasure this one chance to win a gold medal, particularly because he will no longer be eligible to compete since he will be in the major leagues; and

WHEREAS, Roy returned to familiar ground and was honored for his efforts before last October's football game between Weir and French Camp, and was asked to speak to elementary students, as well as sign autographs, pennants, baseballs, baseball cards, shirts and greet hometown people he had not seen since before the Olympics; and

WHEREAS, he credits his father, who worked with Weir Attendance Center to build a baseball field, for helping him develop and hone his skills as a player; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the singular achievement of this young professional athlete who brings honor to his school, his 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 Roy Oswalt of Weir, Mississippi, who was a member of the U.S. Olympic Baseball team that won the gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and wish him success in his professional career.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Roy Oswalt and his parents, Billy and Jean Oswalt, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.