House Resolution 111

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2006-2007 SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Itawamba Community College (ICC) Men's Indians Basketball Team finished the 2006-2007 season with an impressive record of 27-6 and are ranked number 14 in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll; and

WHEREAS, due to the hard work and dedication of the nationally ranked Indians, the men's basketball team earned its way to participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship Tournament which was held in March 2007; and

WHEREAS, ICC Men's Indians Basketball Team, who are the Region 23 Champs, made school history at the tournament when it defeated fourth-ranked Northeastern Junior College of Colorado, which is the highest ranked team that the men's program ever defeated, and the team earned the Indians a spot in the Elite Eight; and

WHEREAS, the Indians were superbly coached and inspired by Coach Marty Cooper who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Cooper has brought additional honor to himself and ICC by being named District 15 Men's Coach of the Year at the annual NJCAA National Tournament banquet in Hutchinson, Kansas, and he has also been named the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the ICC Men's Indians Basketball Team have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players, Coach Cooper and brings great honor to Itawamba Community College; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when displayed by the young people 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 Itawamba Community College Men's Basketball Team and Coach Marty Cooper for their outstanding 2006-2007 season, for an outstanding performance in the national tournament and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Itawamba Community College, Coach Marty Cooper and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.