House Concurrent Resolution 4

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MADISON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM AND COACH GREGG PERRY FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2009 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Madison Central High School Jaguars (Jags) Baseball Team finished the 2009 season with a remarkable record of 27-5, and can now lay claim to its second Class 5A State Championship since taking its first class title in 2002; and

WHEREAS, throughout their outstanding season of play, the Jags poured their heart and soul into efforts to win the state title; and

WHEREAS, the Madison Central High School Baseball Team drew Petal for a best-of-three series in the State Championship; and

WHEREAS, going to the series meant Madison Central High School would play in front of a large, loud, unforgiving crowd at Trustmark Park; and

WHEREAS, C.J. Jordan and Malcolm Tate, who are graduating seniors, did not have many good memories of Trustmark Park; and

WHEREAS, two years ago they lost to Oak Grove, but in 2009 with hundreds of screaming fans, the Madison Central Jaguars celebrated a series-clinching 3-2 win over Petal in the Class 5A State Championship at the park; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Perry thought early on that this 2009 Jag team had a natural chance at greatness, but was most impressed at the team's uncanny ability to "fight, scratch and claw" its way to victory if needed; and

WHEREAS, that tenacity paid off big time as the Jags beat Petal in the first game of the series by a score of 4-2 and then, in game two, finished off a rain-delayed game beginning in the fourth inning up 1-0;

WHEREAS, the 2009 squad graduates seven seniors who are: C.J. Jordan, Malcolm Tate, Robert Wilson, Josh Bouldin, Matt Peters, Jarred Rutland and Kent Williford; and

WHEREAS, the Jags of Madison Central High School Baseball Team were up to the challenge and swept the best-of-three series by winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A title; and

WHEREAS, with the season-long goal of being lauded as the best 5A team in the state, the Madison Central High School Baseball Team knew that recognition comes only with winning a state championship tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Jags have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Gregg Perry, along with assistant coaches, Brian Hardy, Presley Hill and Chris Peden who have broadened the Jags knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, with a winning spirit and cooperative attitude, the Jags have brought great honor with a high degree of sportsmanship to Madison Central High School; and

WHEREAS, the Madison Central High School 2009 Baseball Team members are: Josh Bouldin, C.J. Jordan, Matt Peters, Jared Rutland, Malcolm Tate, Robert Wilson, Kent Williford, Alex Collum, Peyton Johnson, Ryan Bolden, Defoe West, Will Bryan, Michael McKinney, Parker Harrison, Jeffery Davis, J.C. Cobb, Stanford Parks, Sean Surles, Josh Laxer, Spencer Turnbull, Brock Hunt, Brayden Jones, Josh Crowder, LJ Hollins, Jason Laxer and Connor Goodspeed; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Madison Central High School Jaguars Baseball Team and Head Coach Gregg Perry for their phenomenal 2009 season, for winning the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Madison Central High School, Head Coach Gregg Perry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.