Senate Resolution 18

(As Adopted by Senate)

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 champion 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. St. Joseph was 8-0 in district play. The first round of playoffs saw the Irish sweep through 3-0. In the second round they bested rival Natchez Cathedral two games to one. In the south half of the state playoffs, the Irish faced Union and came out victorious two games to one. Playing for the State 1A Championship, the Irish met the Urchins of East Union at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi. Winning game one of the playoff soundly 15-6, the Irish would fall to the Urchins in game two 3-2. Game three saw the Irish rally hard and clinch the 1A title by resounding 10-2 victory over the East Union Urchins. This is the first time in the 116-year history of St. Joseph High School the baseball team has won a state championship, and it is the first time in over 40 years a team from Greenville, Mississippi, has brought a state championship back to the port city; and

WHEREAS, the St. Joseph "Fighting Irish" Baseball Team roster is: Head Coach, Kenny Wolf; Assistant Coach, Benny Strazi; Seniors, Max Freeman, John Dean Swift, Jeremy Daniel; Juniors, Sam Maddox, Layne Boykin, Cayne Boykin, Jonathan 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 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 SENATE 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 ever Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A State Championship, and extend to them the best wishes of the Senate for their future athletic and academic success.

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