House Resolution 36

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE SALEM HIGH SCHOOL 1967 WILDCATS BASEBALL TEAM UPON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FINISHING THEIR SEASON WITH AN UNDEFEATED RECORD, AND EXTENDING SINCERE WISHES FOR THEIR HAPPINESS ON SUCH A MOMENTOUS OCCASION.

WHEREAS, the Salem High School 1967 "Wildcats" State Champions Baseball Team will return to their beloved red, dusty diamond for a momentous reunion some 50 years in the making on Friday, March 3, 2017, and will be welcomed with a meal and commemorative program at Stogner's Fish Camp; and

WHEREAS, as far as anyone can remember, the 1967 Wildcats were the only school team in Walthall County to ever win a state championship in baseball, as the 1966 team came close but lost the title game to Maben and came in second; and

WHEREAS, despite losing five seniors from the 1966 team, the 1967 team returned ready and willing to win the state championship, and they not only eliminated Coffeeville in the championship round by winning two out of the three games, but they rode to the championship game on an undefeated season and impressive overall record of 18 wins and no losses; and

WHEREAS, the members of that elite 1967 roster included: seniors, Terry Griffin, Eugene Martin, Sandy Sandifer and Gerald Sartin; juniors, Bruce Boyd, Odell McKenzie and David Thornhill; sophomores, John Adams, Vernon Alford, Brent Bracey, Lynn McCain and Ricky Ross; freshmen, Ralph Boyd, Larry Griffin, Gwynn Holmes, Danny McCallum, Randy McKenzie and Jeffrey Scott; eighth grader, Elton Martin; and team manager, John Terrell; and

WHEREAS, the 1967 Wildcats were superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Eldredge Boyd, who broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, after their dinner and program, the team members and their guests will be recognized at the Tylertown High School baseball park before Tylertown High School and Salem High School play a friendly rivalry Salem home game; and

WHEREAS, before the game, the team players will be introduced and recognized for winning the only baseball championship trophy in school history, and Gerald Sartin, the 1967 pitcher, will throw the first pitch to signal the start of the game to the 1967 catcher, Danny McCallum; and

WHEREAS, the final part of their reunion celebration will occur when the 1967 Wildcats will be re-presented with their championship trophy, which was momentarily misplaced but eventually found by Coach Gwynn Holmes, who kept it for an occasion such as this, and after the re-presentation, a Salem representative will place the trophy in its rightful place in the trophy case inside the Wildcats' new gymnasium; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi athletes, especially those such as the Salem High School 1967 Wildcats Baseball Team, upon the auspicious occasion of their 50th State Championship reunion, which brought honor and glory to Salem High School and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and honor the Salem High School 1967 Wildcats Baseball Team upon the 50th anniversary of winning the state championship and finishing their season with an undefeated record, and extend sincere wishes for their happiness on such a momentous occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to each team member and coach of the Salem High School 1967 Wildcats Baseball Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.