House Resolution 9

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE GREENVILLE ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL "FIGHTING IRISH" BASEBALL TEAM AND COACH KENNY WOLF FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on Saturday, May 21, 2005, Greenville St. Joseph Catholic School "Fighting Irish" Baseball Team made history by crushing East Union 10-2 at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, for its first ever Class 1A Baseball State Championship; and

WHEREAS, this was the first time in 44 years a high school baseball team from Greenville, Mississippi, was crowned state champions by the Mississippi High School Activities Association; and

WHEREAS, with the state championship at stake, Coach Kenny Wolf sent Senior Max Freeman (8-1) to the mound, playing his final game in a Fighting Irish uniform and going out in style by pitching a three-hitter, capping off this effort with three hits of his own, including a home run; and

WHEREAS, the St. Joseph "Fighting Irish" Baseball Team ended regular season play with a 21-8 record, 8-0 in district play, 3-0 in first round of playoffs, and bested rival, Natchez Cathedral, 2-1 in the second round; and

WHEREAS, in the south half of the state playoffs, the "Fighting Irish" faced Union and came out victorious 2-1, securing their play for the State 1A Championship against the Urchins of East Union; and

WHEREAS, winning game one of the playoff soundly 15-6, the "Fighting Irish" would fall to the Urchins in game two, 3-2, only to redeem themselves in game three, clinching the 1A title by a resounding 10-2 victory; and

WHEREAS, the St. Joseph "Fighting Irish" Baseball Team roster includes: Head Coach, Kenny Wolf; Assistant Coach, Benny Strazi; Seniors, Max Freeman, John Dean Swift, Jeremy Daniel; Juniors, Sam Maddox, Layne Boykin, Cayne Boykin, Johnathan Martin, Matthew McCain; Sophomores, Malcolm Davis, James Hunter, David Menotti, Jamie Montgomery, Chris Reifers, Travis Webster; Freshmen, Tyler Hendrick, Craig Mandolini, Jae McIntosh; Eighth Graders, Donald Davis, Derek McCain, Ladarius Perkins, Xavier Williams; and Manager, Lewis Dotson; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend the special accomplishment of this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community, their families and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Greenville St. Joseph Catholic School "Fighting Irish" Baseball Team and Coach Kenny Wolf for winning their first Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A State Championship, and for their outstanding 2005 season and extend best wishes for all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Kenny Wolf, the Headmaster of St. Joseph Catholic School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.