MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Frazier, Horhn, Blount, Butler (38th), Fillingane, Jackson (32nd), Lee, Hill
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL "ARROWS" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH JEFF LONG FOR THEIR MHSAA CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, make room in the Clinton High School Arrows' trophy case. The Arrows Boys Soccer Team added yet another piece of hardware to its collection February 4, 2012; and
WHEREAS, the Clinton High School Arrows (23-2-2), playing on its home field, defeated Gulfport 2-0 in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Championship Game; and
WHEREAS, it was the ninth title for the No. 2-ranked Arrows, who came into the game tied with Pearl with eight championships, and fourth under Arrows Coach Jeff Long. The Arrows finished as the top team in The Clarion-Ledger's final rankings for the second time in four years; and
WHEREAS, "When I arrived here in 2000, my goal was to just carry on the tradition," said Arrows Coach Jeff Long. "Coach Hugh Christian won five and I wanted to maintain that domination and tradition that he set in the 1990s"; and
WHEREAS, senior Michael Orcutt, with 23 goals and 11 assists, including nine game-winning goals, and senior James Oliver, with 10 goals and eight assists, were the Arrows' scoring leaders. But Long gave much of the credit for the team's success to a defense that set school records for shutouts (16) and fewest goals allowed (13). The Arrows allowed just 13 goals all season. The 13 goals and the 16 shutouts are both school records; and
WHEREAS, Coach Long had high praise for this year's team when asked to compare it to his other title teams. "It all starts with Jake Files," said Coach Long. "In my mind, he is the Player of the Year. He made a 36 on the ACT and broke numerous records in the goal. Man, he has spoiled me in the back. He's just that good"; and
WHEREAS, the 2012 Arrows Roster is as follows: Jake Files GK; Nick Niolet GK; Chris Espin GK; Bryson Cobb GK; Russell Macoon STRK, D; Michael Orcutt D, STRK, MF; James Oliver STRK, MF; Nathan Usry MF; Reid Westover MF; Reece Everett MF; Bill McClendon MF; Markel Gladney STRK, MF; Zaac Crosby MF; Joseph Meadors MF, STRK; Kennon Craft MF; Calvin Asemota SWEP; Hunter Mason MF; Graham Bobo MF, D; Johnnie Moncure D; Datti Jinkirir MF; Gustav Wiman MF; Grant Gilliam MF; Thomas Schmalz D; Trey Wilkerson MF; Jimmy Doonan SWEP, MF; Adam Jackson MF; Conner Graham D, MF; Jackson Oliver STRK; Gurdit Singh MF; Nick Whitfield MF; Tony Rodriguez STRK; Nosa Agho D; Wynton Sims MF; Maurice Whalen MF; Drake Barrett MF; and Aaron Hale GK; and Coach Jeff Long; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this achievement by a group of student athletes who have 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 Clinton High School "Arrows" Boys Soccer Team and Coach Jeff Long for winning their Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Championship, their 9th State Championship, and extend to the players, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued athletic and academic success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Long and Principal Dr. Eddie J. Pleasant, forwarded to the Clinton School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.