House Concurrent Resolution 111

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2002 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Collins High School Tigers Football Team finished the 2002 season with an exceptional record of 15-0 and captured the Class 3A State Championship for the second consecutive year, which resulted in their being ranked Number 3 in The Clarion-Ledger poll and Number 2 in the A.P. poll; and

WHEREAS, along the way to their state championship, the Tigers won the Class 3A Region 6 Championship and the Class 3A South State Championship and scored an average of 39.5 points per game while allowing only 8.5 points per game; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers were superbly coached and inspired by Coach Bruce Merchant and assistant coaches Kevin Jackson, Adam Thompson, Thomas Bender, Tim Story, Kelly Murphy, Will Mason and Steve Womack, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Merchant has brought additional honor to himself and to Collins High School by being selected by the Mississippi Association of Coaches as both the 2002 Class 3A Coach of the Year and the 2002 Overall Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, several of the Tigers have been recognized for their hard work, dedication and superior play this season, including the recognition of Corey Clark, Kethone McLaurin, and Brandon McDonald as Class 3A All-State Players, the selection of Corey Clark and Voncarie Owens as The Clarion-Ledger All-State Players, and the recognition of Corey Clark as the Class 3A Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring great honor to Collins High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend and congratulate the Collins High School Tigers Football Team and Coach Bruce Merchant for their outstanding 2002 season, for winning the Class 3A State Championship for the second consecutive year, and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Collins High School, Coach Bruce Merchant, his assistant coaches and members of the Capitol Press Corps.