Senate Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL HIGH SCHOOL "PIRATES" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHRIS RASH FOR WINNING THEIR 9TH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Pearl High School "Pirates" Boys Soccer Team led by Head Coach Chris Rash defeated Germantown 1-0 in overtime on February 8, 2014, in Clinton Arrows Stadium, to win the MHSAA Class 5A Championship. The win gave the Pirates their ninth State Championship, which ties them with Clinton for the "Most Boys Championships All-Time" in the state; and

WHEREAS, Pearl High School senior Johan Marin scored a goal in the first 10-minute overtime period to lift the Pirates to a 1-0 win over the Germantown Mavericks in the State 5A Championship Game. Marin's goal came on a throw-in pass from Connor Brennan at the 6:45 mark; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates ended the season with a 17-3-2 record. Coach Rash said goalkeeper Bailey Hart was a key part of Pearl's success this season; and

WHEREAS, Pirate Head Coach Chris Rash said he was confident his team would win. "I'm proud of all of our team. They worked hard together and earned this State Championship"; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 Pirates Soccer Team Roster is: Rusty Parish, Logan Wilmoth, Kenny Thomas, Connor Brennan, John Adames, Tanner Berry, Caleb Black, Casey Eure, Parker Crane, Jaron Rawls, Dillon Pitts, Dalton Sullivan, JR Ramos, Blake Bell, Paxton Bounds, Haynes Cook, Johan Marin, Bailey Hart, Elias Farias, Hunter Cagle, Dorian Childress, Dean Mottola, Peyton Jackson, Chris Gates, Mason Williams, Amilicar Fernandez, Cameron Ming, Damien Winterstein, Greyson Smith, Caleb McMillen and Austin McDonald; Head Coach Chris Rash; Assistant Coach Shane Fletcher; Athletic Director Richard Smithhart; and Manager Andrea Zebert; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates have developed a winning and cooperative spirit with a high degree of sportsmanship and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Pearl High School; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this team of student athletes who have brought pride to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Pearl "Pirates" Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Chris Rash for winning the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship, their 9th State Championship, and extend our best wishes to the team, players, parents, coaches and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Rash and Pearl Principal Dr. Lundy Brantley, forwarded to the Pearl School Board and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.