House Concurrent Resolution 75

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. CHRIS BARNETT UPON BEING NAMED 2015 MISSISSIPPI BOYS CROSS COUNTRY COACH OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association awarded Mr. Chris Barnett, coach of the Pearl High School Cross Country Team, the honor of Mississippi's 2015 Coach of the Year after his team proved to have no equal throughout the 2015 season; and

WHEREAS, Coach Barnett earned this award based on his team's many outstanding performances, their placement in the State Championships, the margins of victory, performances against ranked opponents and the team's overall success over the course of the 2015 season; and

WHEREAS, Coach Barnett's 2015 team demonstrated incomparable success throughout their season, beating 200 of the 202 teams they faced in 9 meets and winning their school's 19th 6A State Championship, by a record margin of 78 points; and

WHEREAS, over the course of the season Coach Barnett's team also proved to possess unrivaled consistency and preparation, as evidenced by all five Pearl High School runners being awarded All-State honors for their individual contributions to the team; and

WHEREAS, after winning the 6A State Championship, Pearl High School finished the season ranked Number 1 by Mississippi MileSplit and Coach Barnett's team finished the season undefeated against all other Mississippi schools, proving themselves truly worthy of their final Number 1 ranking; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize outstanding leadership and the achievements of exceptional individuals like Coach Barnett, whose leadership has provided a positive example for many young Mississippians, and by his example he has proven that through hard work and dedication there is no ceiling for success:

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 Mr. Chris Barnett, Coach of the Pearl High School Boys Cross Country Team, upon being named the 2015 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Chris Barnett, Pearl High School Athletic Director Mr. Richard Smithhart, Pearl High School Principal Mr. Chris Chism and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.