House Resolution 36

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RICHTON HIGH SCHOOL REBELS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2002-2003 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Richton High School Rebels Boys Basketball Team finished the 2002-2003 season with a notable record of 25-7; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Rebels participated in several playoffs and were victorious as the Pine Belt Conference Champions, Class 2A District 8 Champions and Class 2A State Champions and were the runner-up in the South State Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Rebels were superbly coached and inspired by Coach Hugh Thoms, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Thoms has brought additional honor to himself and to Richton High School by being selected as the Hattiesburg American Coach of the Year 2003; and

WHEREAS, along with Coach Thoms' excellent coaching, the Rebels were also assisted by their statistician, Jerry Ivy, trainer, Joe Cook, and athletic director, Joe Walton; and

WHEREAS, several of the Rebels have been recognized for their hard work, dedication and superior play this season, including the naming of D.J. Husband to the All-Richton Rotary Tournament Team and the Pine Belt Conference Honorable Mention Team, Jarrott Husband to the Pine Belt Conference Honorable Mention Team, Jonathan Carroll to the All-Pine Belt Conference Team, Gremico McSwain to the All-State Team, All-South State Team and All-District Team, Jarrod Stenson to the All-State Team, All-South State Team, All-Pine Belt Conference Team, Hattiesburg American All-Area Team and Taurean Carter to the All-State Team, MAC All-State Team, All-South State Team, and All-District Team; and

WHEREAS, the Richton High School Rebels 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 coach and bring great honor to Richton High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend excellence, especially when displayed 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, That we commend and congratulate the Richton High School Rebels Boys Basketball Team and Coach Hugh Thoms for their outstanding 2002-2003 season, for winning the state championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Richton High School, Coach Hugh Thoms and members of the Capitol Press Corps.