Senate Resolution 20

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY BASEBALL COACH MIKE KINNISON FOR BEING HONORED AS THE NCAA DIVISION II COACH OF THE YEAR FOLLOWING HIS TEAM'S FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Delta State University Baseball Coach Mike Kinnison has been honored as the NCAA Division II "Coach of the Year" by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings Sports Company, following his team's first Division II National Championship; and

WHEREAS, as his Statesmen celebrated the victory over Grand Valley (Michigan) State on May 29, 2004, Coach Kinnison climbed over the dugout and into the stands to present the trophy to Delta State legend Boo Ferriss, then handed it to his championship players; and

WHEREAS, in the fall of 1976, Mike Kinnison returned to Delta State thinking he would be team manager, but Coach Ferriss gave him a uniform. Kinnison helped Ferriss' 1977 and 1978 teams reach the Division II College World Series, making All-American as a senior; and

WHEREAS, Mike Kinnison is in his ninth season at the helm of the Delta State baseball program. His 370-96 career record (.794) gives him the best wining percentage among NCAA baseball coaches with at leave five years of head coaching experience; and

WHEREAS, since taking over the program in 1997, Kinnison has kept the proud tradition of Delta State baseball alive. The former Delta State All-American has accomplished so much in his nine seasons, leading the Statesmen to the 2000, 2003 and 2004 Gulf South Conference (GSC) Tournament titles, eight GSC West Division crowns, three South Central Regional Championships, three NCAA Division II Baseball Championship Tournament appearances and one World Series Championship; and

WHEREAS, Kinnison reached the 300 win plateau in seven seasons and was named the South Central Region's "Coach of the Year" in 2001 and 2002; and

WHEREAS, prior to succeeding Bill Marchant, Kinnison served as an assistant coach for three years. He played a key role in guiding the Statesmen to World Series berths and GSC Championships in 1994 and 1996; and

WHEREAS, the Benton, Mississippi, native was standout at Delta State under Coach "Boo" Ferriss from 1977-1978. He ranks 11th all-time in doubles (36) and holds single season records in at-bats (233), doubles (25) and games played (62). Kinnison recorded a .343 batting average with 25 doubles and 56 RBI as the catalyst, who sparked a second-place finish in the 1978 Division II College World Series; and

WHEREAS, before returning to his alma mater, Kinnison coached in the high school ranks at Lee Academy (1979-1981), Jackson Prep (1982-1992) and Madison Central (1993). His prep coaching record is 292-82 (.779) with state titles at Jackson Prep in 1982, 1990 and 1991. He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Match Education from Delta State in 1977 and 1978, respectively; and

WHEREAS, Kinnison is married to the former Cindy Colbert of Grenada, Mississippi. They are the parents of two daughters, Mary Claire and Kate; and

WHEREAS, Boo Ferriss said he has never seen a coach work harder than Coach Kinnison: "This championship is the pinnacle. I'm so happy for everybody who loves Delta State, but happiest of all for Mike Kinnison," who has brought honor to his university, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Delta State University Baseball Coach Mike Kinnison who has been honored as the NCAA Division II "Coach of the Year" following his teams national championship victory, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate on their future seasons.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Kinnison and his family and be made available to the President of Delta State University and the Capitol Press Corps.