House Resolution 6

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COACH KENT KIRKLAND AND PICAYUNE HIGH SCHOOL MAROON TIDE BASEBALL TEAM ON WINNING CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Coach Kent Kirkland and the Picayune High School Maroon Tide Baseball Team finished the 2002 season with an impressive record of 35 wins and only 3 losses, capturing Picayune's first Class 4A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, for an outstanding season of play, Coach Kirkland led the Maroon Tide to become Mississippi's No. 1 ranked team, and the nation's 4th ranked team by USA Today and 7th ranked team by Baseball America; and

WHEREAS, Coach Kirkland, a Carriere native, has instilled a strong work ethic at Picayune since taking over in 1992, producing a 240-84 career record, 11 winning seasons and 7 playoff appearances with the Maroon Tide; and

WHEREAS, being most generous in the expressions of his gratitude, Coach Kirkland is quick to praise his assistants, John Dobson, Cayne Stockstill and Ryan Moreaux for making this season unforgettable; and

WHEREAS, in addition to leading the Maroon Tide to capture their first championship ever, Coach Kirkland was rewarded double when he was named the 2002 Coach of the Year for The Clarion-Ledger All-State Baseball Team; and

WHEREAS, Coach Kirkland and assistant coaches John Dobson, Cayne Stockstill and Ryan Moreaux have superbly coached and inspired the Maroon Tide, broadened their knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Coach Kent Kirkland and the Picayune High School Maroon Tide Baseball Team for their outstanding 2002 Class 4A State Championship and wish them continued success in their future athletic and scholastic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Picayune High School, Coach Kent Kirkland and members of the Capitol Press Corps.