House Concurrent Resolution 18

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL LADY LIONS SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2009-2010 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Hamilton High School Lady Lions Slow-Pitch Softball Team entered the 2009-2010 season as defending North Division Champions and finished the season with a remarkable overall record of 19-9, while winning the last 13 games in a row, and the Class 2A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their outstanding season of play the Lady Lions' offense and defense worked collaboratively to successfully fend off several well-contended opponents to capture the second North-Half Championship, in as many years, which sealed their date with destiny in the state championship game; and

WHEREAS, throughout the playoffs, Katie Beth Dalhem, Chauncia Willis and Hannah Howell each hit three homeruns, and Lexus Jordan and Shebly Savage each hit one homerun while the Lady Lions team's batting average was an amazing .477; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Lions faced Eupora, East Union and Baldwyn to reach the State Championship Series against the 30-4 Enterprise; and

WHEREAS, in the two-game championship series, the Lady Lions pounded out 28 runs and 38 hits while committing only one error and all 10 starters had at least one hit; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Lions have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Lewis Earnest and Assistant Coaches Jason Cobb and Sally Kersteller, who have broadened the Lady Lions' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Lions Championship Slow-Pitch Softball Team includes the following dedicated team members: Chelsea McDaniel, Shelby Savage, Hannah Howell, Katie Beth Dalhem, Chauncia Willis, Lyndsey Williams, Caitlyn Atkins, Anna Imel, Emily Earnest, Lexus Jordan, Christy Willis, Mary Willis, Alison Atkins, Cheyenne Logan, Jordyn Jackson, Taylor Hyland, Raimi Bryan, Chelsey Johnson, Hallie Dobbs, Camryn Savage, Sarah Garvin, Addie Thompson, Aubrey Gilliland, and Team Managers Addie Cobb, Alix Goodwin, Hope Monasco, Hailee Jones, Myiah Dobbs, and Carmen Perkins; and

WHEREAS, with a winning spirit and never-give-up attitude, the Lady Lions have brought great honor to Hamilton High School due to their high degree of sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, the 2009-2010 Lady Lions Slow-Pitch Softball Team State Championship was the fourth in the school's history, which includes a 2004 title and back-to-back state championships in 1993 and 1994; 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 Hamilton High School Lady Lions Slow-Pitch Softball Team, Head Coach Lewis Earnest and Assistant Coaches Jason Cobb and Sally Kersteller for their phenomenal 2009-2010 season, for winning the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Hamilton High School, Head Coach Lewis Earnest, Assistant Coaches Jason Cobb and Sally Kersteller and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.