House Resolution 24

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE TRINITY EPISCOPAL SAINTS FOOTBALL TEAM ON ITS OUTSTANDING 2001-2002 SEASON AND ON WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Trinity Episcopal Saints Football Team finished the 2001-2002 season with a remarkable record of 12 wins and only two losses; and

WHEREAS, throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Saints fought and defeated many well-contended teams before capturing the Mississippi Private School Association (MPSA) Academy A State Championship by defeating the Wayne Academy Jaguars; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated and superior play and hard work this season, including: the naming of Chad Ridley as Player of the Year and to the All-Area Team; the selection of Tres Atkins, Kayne Troutman, Ivan Nastally and Chase Brown to the All-Area First Team; the naming of Jon Borum and Walt Ketchings to the All-Area Second Team; and All-Area Honorable Mention being bestowed upon Gregory Ketchings; and

WHEREAS, the Trinity Episcopal Saints have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach David King and Assistant Coach Barr Brown, who have broadened the Saints' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach David King has brought additional honor to himself and to Trinity Episcopal by being named the All-Area Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Trinity Episcopal Saints have been supported in their athletic endeavors and attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and fellow peers whose moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, after two attempts to capture state titles in 1975 and 1977, this championship constitutes Trinity Episcopal's second title after winning its first state championship in 1989, which also gave the City of Natchez its first championship team; and

WHEREAS, the Saints have 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 coaches and bring honor to Trinity Episcopal; 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 youth 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 the Trinity Episcopal Saints Football Team and Coach David King on their outstanding 2001-2002 season and on winning the MPSA Academy A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion in all their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Trinity Episcopal, Head Coach David King, Assistant Coach Barr Brown and members of the Capitol Press Corps.