Senate Resolution 40

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING TODD ABERNETHY FOR BEING NAMED SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE "SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR" FOR 2005.

WHEREAS, Todd Abernethy, 6-foot-1 Sophomore Guard for the University of Mississippi Basketball Team, has been a steadying force off the bench, often supplying Ole Miss with whatever ingredient the team is lacking early on in games; and

WHEREAS, sometimes, it's shooting; other times, it's ball-handling; but on every occasion, it's heart and relentless hustle; and

WHEREAS, Abernethy's move from starting Point Guard as a Freshman to back-up combo Guard as a Sophomore paid off Wednesday, March 9, 2005, when he was named Southeastern Conference's Sixth Man of the Year for 2005; and

WHEREAS, Abernethy averaged 8.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in just under 28 minutes a game. He played in 29 games in the 2004-2005 season and drew eight starts. Abernethy beat three others for the award, which was voted on by the SEC's 12 Head Coaches; and

WHEREAS, during a volatile season in which Ole Miss endured a number of heartbreaking losses, saw leading scorers slip into lengthy slumps and had seldom-used backups emerge as starters, Todd has been one constant for the Rebels; and

WHEREAS, Todd hit two clutch free throws vs. the University of South Carolina in the final seconds to secure the Rebel victory in the SEC (2005) Tournament (53-52); and

WHEREAS, Abernethy led Ole Miss in scoring six times this season; and

WHEREAS, Todd Abernethy's hometown is Carmel, Indiana, where he attended Heritage Christian High School; he made the 2004 SEC All-Freshman Team, the 2004 SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll, the Chancellor's Honor Roll and the UMAA Honor Roll; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the dedication and heart and soul style of play demonstrated by this student athlete who has brought honor to his hometown, his university 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 Todd Abernethy, Ole Miss Basketball Team Sophomore Guard, upon being named the Southeastern Conference "Sixth Man of the Year" for 2005, and extend to him the best wishes of the Senate for his future athletic and academic success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Todd Abernethy, forwarded to Ole Miss Basketball Coach Rod Barnes and Chancellor Robert Khayat, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.