House Concurrent Resolution 68

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS PIRATES SOCCER TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2010-2011 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Pearl High School Boys Pirates Soccer Team finished the 2010-2011 season with an outstanding record of 19-2-5 and won the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates' 6-0 victory over the East Central Hornets led them to their eighth overall state championship title and the sixth in the last seven seasons after appearing in the state finals 10 times in the last 11 seasons, to triumph as the 2010-2011 Class 5A State Champions; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates who outscored their opponents 67 to 15, with 14 shutouts, were ranked No. 1 by The Clarion-Ledger in its final rankings and No. 3 regionally by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, have received several individual honors, including the naming of Jeremy Brown and Wesley Brown to represent the North in the MAC All-Star Game; and

WHEREAS, members of the Pirates Soccer team include: seniors, Alex Alexander, Cody Berry, Jeremy Brown, Wesley Brown, Billy Green, Chase Ming and Josh Saulsbury; juniors, Breland Brooks, Hunter Davis, Taylor Deese, Kyle Gilmore, Jonathan Herald, Blake McDonald, Nathan Miley, Tyler Poe and Scott Wolf; sophomores, Jonathan Brooks, Morgan Cauthen, Dalton Evans, Daniel Ray, Will Roberts, Daniel Scarborough, Chase Williams and Ryan Worsham; freshmen, John Adams, Connor Brennan, Bailey Hart, Johan Marin, Caleb McMillan, Dean Mottola, Dillon Pitts and DeVaughn Wilson; and managers, Katherine Hernandez, Haley Lowery and Emilee Thompson; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Andrew Kivlan, who was named Coach of the Year by The Clarion-Ledger, and Assistant Coach Chris Rash, who have broadened the Pirates' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Kivlan, in his fifth year as the Pirates' coach, continues the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays, as evidenced by the team's successful season and winning its fourth state championship title under Kivlan's leadership and counsel; 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 Pearl High School Pirates Boys Soccer Team and their coaches, Andrew Kivlan and Chris Rash, for their outstanding 2010-2011 season, for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association 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 Pearl High School, Head Coach Andrew Kivlan, Assistant Coach Chris Rash and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.