MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Carmichael, Burton, Jackson

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE "EAGLES" SOCCER TEAM AND COACH STEVE CLEMENTS FOR THEIR SUCCESSFUL 2000 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE NJCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, seven years of hard work, school pride and determination paid off for the Meridian Community College Soccer Program on Sunday, November 19, 2000, when the Eagles reached their timeless goal of a national championship title; and

WHEREAS, MCC stormed through their competition at the NJCAA National Tournament in Tyler, Texas, to win the right to fight for the championship. In the first game, MCC faced Essex County, New Jersey. The second game saw the Eagles matched up with Springfield College, Illinois; then came MCC vs. Bryant Stratton, New York, the same team the Eagles faced last year at Nationals for third place; and

WHEREAS, this year would be different; at 5:06 left in the game, MCC had a steal and a breakaway to take the Eagles to 2-0; and

WHEREAS, the 2000 season was the most successful year for Coach Steve Clements and the MCC program which began in 1994; the Eagles topped off the season by winning the NJCAA National Championship and after the final game, Clements was named the Coach of the Tournament, and three Eagles were named to the All-Tournament Team; one was also named MVP of the tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Eagles finished the 2000 season with a 24-1 record, the Region 23 Championship, and the Mid-Southwest District Championship as well; and

WHEREAS, Clements' team was ranked No. 1 in the nation numerous times throughout the year, including the final JCAA poll; and

WHEREAS, under Clements' seven-year regime, the Eagles have participated in and won the Region 23 Tournament all seven seasons. They played in the District Tournament seven years, winning it three times and finishing as runners-up once. The Eagles are also the only Mississippi junior college team to go to Nationals, where they have had two 5th place finishes and now a first place finish. Clements was named Region 23 Coach of the Year in 1996, 1998 and 2000, and the District Coach of the Year in 1997, 1999 and 2000. He also serves as Area Chairperson for the National Rankings and All-American committees; and

WHEREAS, MCC's Soccer Camps have become a mainstay on campus, serving over 1,200 youth statewide; and

WHEREAS, the 2000 team is in the record books, not only for winning the championship, but the team also broke the record for most school wins. The 2000 team also has the record to and for the most consecutive wins and scoring record; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the championship season of this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Meridian Community College "Eagles" Soccer Team and Coach Steve Clements for their successful 2000 season and winning the NJCAA National Championship.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Clements on behalf of the Eagles and the President of Meridian Community College and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.