House Concurrent Resolution 16

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NESHOBA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH TRAE EMBRY UPON WINNING THEIR FIFTH MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A-6A SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Neshoba Central High School "Lady Rockets" Slow-pitch Softball Team clinched a well-deserved victory when they handily defeated the George County High School "Lady Rebels" Slow-pitched Softball Team to win their fifth straight Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A-6A Slow-pitch Softball State Championship; and

WHEREAS, similar to the speedy, explosive machinery for which they are named, the Lady Rockets softball team brought the rain of their fiery dominance down to ignite and scorch the state championship dreams of their opponent in the championship game, to finish their season of play as champions; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength throughout the myriad of obstacles they faced this season, the Lady Rockets exploded from their first at bat to their last third out to completely pulverize the Lady Rebels in Game 1 of the championship matchup, 12-1, with the help of the exceptional pitcher, Elleigh Willis, who limited the Rebels to five hits and only one run; and

WHEREAS, during Game 2 of the series, the Rockets knew the Rebels would come out swinging, as they were reluctant to see their championship rings vanish without a fight, and despite the Rebels' 6-5 lead after two innings, the Rockets swang harder and amassed a 15-9 lead going into the seventh inning; and

WHEREAS, the Rebels would not let the Rockets kick back their heels and wait to celebrate their championship victory, as they scored eight runs to take a 17-15 lead, but after a pep talk from their coach Trae Embry, the Rockets settled down, refocused and relit their championship wick to ultimate reign supreme, cementing their fate in the history books with their fifth straight title; and

WHEREAS, knowing that the two runners on base, Alyssa Wilkinson and Makenzie Barnett, needed to score if her Rockets were going to have a chance to win this game, Coach Embry placed the bat in the hands of the Homecoming Queen, Kaylee Routh, who exited the dugout, took a few practice swings and confidently stepped up to the plate to patiently wait for her first pitch, and when the perfect ball glided towards her, she never took her eyes off it, but lowered her head and swung through with all of her might; and

WHEREAS, as soon as Kaylee's bat made contact with the ball, the members of the Rockets softball team became champions once again, as Kaylee's powerful swing sent the tattered, dirt smudged ball out of the park, solidifying Neshoba Central's rise to championship status and receipt of the coveted gold medal; and

WHEREAS, striving to win with unparalleled motivation and ardent determination, the Lady Rockets played one of their best games of the season during the championship game, as their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first walked onto that red, dusty diamond until the final out was made and they were finally able to gleefully pose for a celebratory picture behind that championship banner with their well-deserved championship trophy proudly displayed; and

WHEREAS, the 2015-2016 Lady Rockets Team statistics were impressive, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant selfless atmosphere, the true love they each possess for the game, and the year round hard work by each and every talented and distinguished player; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Trae Embry, who has broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and the assistant coaches helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field and played a huge role in the success of the Neshoba Central High School Slow-pitch Softball Team; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Lady Rockets have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches, bringing honor to Neshoba Central High School; 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 Neshoba Central High School "Lady Rockets" Slow-pitch Softball Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom bring 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, we do hereby commend and congratulate the Neshoba Central High School Slow-pitch Softball Team and Head Coach Trae Embry upon winning their fifth Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A-6A Slow-pitch Softball State Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Trae Embry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.