Senate Concurrent Resolution 712

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SUMRALL HIGH SCHOOL "BOBCATS" BASEBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH LARRY KNIGHT FOR ITS CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND PERFECT SEASON.

WHEREAS, in the 2009 high school baseball season, perfection is spelled "S-U-M-R-A-L-L"; and

WHEREAS, the Sumrall High School "Bobcats" Baseball Team on Saturday, May 26, 2009, ended the 2009 season with a perfect 36-0 record, a feat not accomplished in Mississippi since New Hope High School in Lowndes County in 1996. Sumrall and New Hope are the only Mississippi high school teams since 1949 to record perfect seasons. The Bobcats defeated South Pontotoc 11-1 in the Class 3A State Championship Series. It is the school's second consecutive state title; and

WHEREAS, senior pitcher Jared Miller got the final out of his career on a ground ball back to the mound, and when the out was recorded, he threw his glove high in the air as the estimated 2,000 blue-and-gold clad Sumrall fans roared their approval. Miller is one of just three seniors on the Sumrall roster this season; and

WHEREAS, much credit should be given to Sumrall Head Coach Larry Knight, who has now won six state baseball titles. Knight won four championships in 13 years with Hattiesburg High School before going to Sumrall, where he now has two titles in three years; and

WHEREAS, the Bobcats have certainly given the small Lamar County town something to celebrate, and local residents have shown their support for the team all year. One major reason for strong baseball programs in the Mississippi Pine Belt Area is the youth programs that provide the basics for many youngsters. Those programs feed into the high school programs. The facilities that have been built, the coaches who provide the leadership to the players, and the parents who bring their support are all part of the winning formula; and

WHEREAS, the Sumrall High School "Bobcats" Baseball Team roster is: Ryan Knight, Jared Miller, B.J. Smith, Domonique Griffith, Chad Guice, Chase Lewallen, Jackson Posey, Dylan Anglin, Connor Barron, Austin Carter, Zach Clinton, Griffith Decuir, Austin Knight, Luke Lowery, Bradley Smith, Tyler Thompson, Ethan Whitfield, Justin Freeman and Jake Gill; Head Coach Larry Knight; Assistant Coaches Steve Cooley, Andy Davis and Richard Broom; Student Coach Lance Anderson; and Trainer Gary Stroud; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the achievements of this team and coaching staff which has brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Sumrall High School "Bobcats" Baseball Team and Head Coach Larry Knight for winning the MHSAA Class 3A State Championship and for its 2009 perfect season which was only the second in state history to finish a season undefeated, and extend our best wishes to the team, parents and staff on this outstanding achievement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Knight, Sumrall Principal Jennifer Ward, forwarded to the Lamar County School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.