House Resolution 76

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE GAUTIER HIGH SCHOOL GATORS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOE GATSCHET FOR THEIR PHENOMENAL 2005-2006 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE 4A SOUTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND RUNNER-UP FOR THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Gautier High School Gators Soccer Team finished the 2005-2006 season with a remarkable record of 22-3-2, capturing the 4A South State Championship and finishing runner-up for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Gators fought and defeated many well-trained teams, and captured the Division 7 Class 4A Championship with an undefeated record of 8-0; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their dedicated, superior play and hard work this season, including the selection of Jake Jones, Chris Penton, Josh Burnsed, Jared Fagan and Kyle Hutchinson to the All-Division Team; the naming of Josh Burnsed, Jaimee Noel and Chris Penton to the Sun Herald All-Coast Team; the naming of Chris Penton as Sun Herald Coast Player of the Year; and the selection of Josh Burnsed and Chris Penton to the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star Team; and

WHEREAS, excelling academically as well as athletically, several players have received scholarships for their dual ability to excel, including: Jake Jones and Jared Fagan (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College), Josh Burnsed (William Carey College), Kyle Hutchinson (Meridian Community College) and Chris Penton (Mississippi College); and

WHEREAS, the Gators have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Joe Gatschet, who has broadened the Gators' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Gatschet has brought additional honor to himself and Gautier High School by being named Division Team Coach of the Year and Sun Herald Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Gators have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and supporters whose moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the Gators have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coach and bring honor to Gautier High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Gautier High School Gator Soccer Team, Head Coach Joe Gatschet for their phenomenal 2005-2006 season and for winning the 4A South State Championship and finishing runner-up for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Gautier High School, Head Coach Joe Gatschet and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.