MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Fillingane, Aldridge, Bentz, Davis, Dedeaux, Holland, Lane, Lott, Peranich, Read, Rogers (61st), Scott, Simpson, Smith (59th), Upshaw, Walley, Weathersby
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING LUKE JOHNSON OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI FOOTBALL TEAM FOR HIS OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR THE GOLDEN EAGLES AND FOR HIS EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY SERVICE.
WHEREAS, Luke Johnson, the outstanding punter for the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Football Team, was first in Conference USA in average punting yards per game during the 2005 season, and ranked seventh in the nation in average punting yards per game; and
WHEREAS, for his superior accomplishments on the gridiron this season, Luke was named to the first team All-Conference Team and he earned All-American honors with his selection as third team All-American by SI.com and as honorable mention All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com; and
WHEREAS, Luke is not only an athlete but also a scholar, and he has been named to the President's List, Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and Dean's List in his academic career, and he has already earned his bachelor's degree in business administration; and
WHEREAS, Luke has been awarded the Conference USA Commissioner's Medal for Academic Excellence several times, was named the SportsCare Scholar Athlete for football in 2003 and 2004, was the recipient of the Liberty Bowl Scholar Athlete Award in the 2003 Liberty Bowl, and was selected to attend the Seventh Annual NCAA Leadership Conference in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Luke, who is an ordained minister, is heavily involved in community service and is dedicated to the USM Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Baptist Student Union and to his ministry opportunities not only in the Hattiesburg area but also in other areas of the state and the world, and he was selected to the American Football Coaches Association's Good Works Team for his outstanding work in the community; and
WHEREAS, Luke was named a finalist for the Danny Wuerffel Trophy and the ARA Sportsmanship Award and was named the Division I male recipient of the Woody Hayes Award, all of which are awarded to the top players in the nation based on academic, athletic and community service; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding student athlete who is an inspiration to other athletes and who has brought honor to his community, his university and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend and congratulate Luke Johnson of the University of Southern Mississippi Football Team for his outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments for the Golden Eagles and for his exemplary community service, and we extend our best wishes for success in all future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Luke Johnson and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.