House Concurrent Resolution 72

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SEMINARY HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2003 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Seminary High School Bulldogs Football Team finished the 2003 season with an outstanding, undefeated record of 15 wins and no losses, becoming only the fourth school in 2A Division history to do so, and winning the Class 2A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs' 45-14 victory over the Booneville Blue Devils constituted a milestone at Seminary High School by being the first team to capture a state title in the school's history; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs performed very well in tournament and state playoffs this year, winning the JCJC 7-on-7 Championship, the District 7-2A Championship and the 2A South State Championship, in addition to the overall Class 2A State Championship and finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the State of Mississippi by The Clarion Ledger for Division 2A teams; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated play this season, including Jacob Turner receiving the titles of All-State Defensive Player of the Year and District 7-2A Defensive Most Valuable Player, the naming of Brandon Hopstein and Tim Holloway to the 1st Team All-State, Mike Watts and Derwin Cooley to the 2nd Team All-State, and the selection of Brandon Hopstein, Tim Holloway, Mike Watts, Matthew Mauldin, Marcus Duplessy, Kyle Sullivan and Brandon Hicks to the 1st Team All-District; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Lance Mancuso and Assistant Coaches Eddie Lofton, Chris Peden and Brian Rials, who have broadened the Bulldogs' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Mancuso has brought additional honor to himself and to Seminary High School by being selected as Area Coach of the Year, Mississippi High School Activities Association Coach of the Year for Class 2A, Hattiesburg American Coach of the Year and WDAM Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, having forced three shutouts, scoring 542 points and allowing only 164 points this season, the Bulldogs 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 Seminary High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend and congratulate the Seminary High School Bulldogs Football Team and their coaches, Head Coach Lance Mancuso and Assistant Coaches Eddie Lofton, Chris Peden and Brian Rials, for their outstanding 2003 season, for winning the Class 2A State Championship, and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Seminary High School, Head Coach Lance Mancuso and Assistant Coaches Eddie Lofton, Chris Peden, Brian Rials and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.