House Resolution 61

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2015-2016 MADISON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH CECIL HINDS UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A BOYS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Madison Central High School Boys Jaguar Soccer Team finished the 2015-2016 season with their fourth state title in the school's history when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Boys Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, similar to the agile, ferocious feline for which they are named, the Jaguars soccer team wielded its exceptionally powerful bite to pierce through the state championship dreams of each of their opponents in the state playoffs, pulverizing Southaven in the first round 3-0, out maneuvering Clinton in the second round 5-4 and edging out Tupelo 2-1 in the North State Championship Title game; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, on February 6, 2016, at Clinton High School's Arrow Field in Clinton, Mississippi, the Jaguars Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the Ocean Springs High School Greyhounds to win 1-0 after two scoreless halves that left fans on the edge of their seats until the extra time elapsed, during which time Senior Zack Bailey scored the winning goal and cemented the team's fourth state title in boys' soccer; and

WHEREAS, as many veterans of the game have said, "Defense wins championships," this age-old saying defined the immaculate strategy and skill of the Jaguars defense, whose grit, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure the championship victory, and the dedication and athletic prowess of the offensive players helped them become game changers during the championship match, ensuring the revered title crown returned to the Madison Central Boys trophy case; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the No. 1 statewide ranked Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team, who are bursting with wit and athleticism, faced off with some of the state's best contenders on the kick, but persevered to finish their season with an overall record of 19 wins, 3 losses, 2 ties and the number four ranking nationally according to MaxPreps, making their presence and talent known as the gladiators and invincible champions of MHSAA boys' soccer; and

WHEREAS, the 2015-2016 Jaguar team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Madison Central Boys Soccer Team is comprised of very talented and distinguished young men, which ultimately catapulted them to winning their fourth state championship, including: captains and seniors, Zack Bailey, Ridge Brohaugh, Luke Comfort and Branden Livingston; seniors, Nolan Ahlrich, Gage Giles, Jackson Hall, Michael Kroeze, William Pratt, Nicky Rugnath, Lockard Simpkins and Michael Weeks; juniors, Cole Falgout, Sidney Frazier, Joshua Hinkle, Connor Jones, Stephen Lick, Trace Manning, Harrison McKinnis, Rahil Rugnath and Parker Trawick; sophomores, James Chafin, Jon Chafin, Daniel Chong, Connor Henderson, Michael Lembo, Keelan Pajak, Brooks Parker, Kyle Watson and Hunter White; and freshmen, Blake Backel, Christian Berry, Zach Diaz, Robert Lawson, Cale Nation, Jake Otto, Cade Proctor, Mack Russell, Deon Travis and Peyton Wilbanks; and

WHEREAS, the Jaguars have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Cecil Hinds, who has broadened the Jaguars' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Coach Ashley Davis and Volunteer Coach Leonard Swilley, along with the assistance of Team Manager Austin Clayton, helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field and played a huge role in the success of the Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team; and

WHEREAS, Coach Hinds, Coach Davis and Coach Swilley continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Madison Central High School Jaguars Boys Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom brings honor to their school, their community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2015-2016 Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Cecil Hinds upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Boys Soccer State Championship and extend best wishes to the team, and coaches for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Cecil Hinds, Madison Central High School Principal Austin Brown, Madison Central High School Assistant Principal Jay Harrison, the Madison County School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.