Senate Concurrent Resolution 562

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PETAL HIGH SCHOOL VETERAN COACH KAREN ARNOLD FOR BEING NAMED THE 2003 HATTIESBURG AMERICAN ALL-AREA SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Petal High School Slow-Pitch Softball Girls Team reversed their fortunes in the 2003 season by advancing deep into the Class 4A playoffs; and

WHEREAS, Petal finished 26-7 overall and reached the 4A South State finals before falling to Lawrence County in three games; and

WHEREAS, for this stellar achievement, Coach Karen Arnold was named the 2003 Hattiesburg American All-Area Slow-Pitch Softball Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Karen Arnold has guided the Petal High School slow-pitch softball program for the past 11 seasons; and

WHEREAS, Coach Arnold coaches with patience and a positive approach, as evidenced by the following assessment: "With kids these days, they have enough negatives in their lives; you want to make softball fun. The only reason we're all out here is because we like to play ball and we want to have fun"; and

WHEREAS, although Coach Arnold keeps the drill fun on the field, there is always a serious purpose underlying Coach Arnold's leadership due to the winning tradition at Petal; every time the players step on the field in a uniform that says "Petal," the opposition is aware of the historical strength of the program; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this leader of young athletes and students, whose spirit and winning tradition brings honor to her school, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Petal High School Slow-Pitch Softball Girls Team Coach Karen Arnold for being recognized as the 2003 Hattiesburg American All-Area Slow-Pitch Softball Coach of the Year, and wish her and her team success in the seasons to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Arnold, be made available to the Hattiesburg American and the Capitol Press Corps.