Senate Concurrent Resolution 616

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ST. ALOYSIUS "FLASHES" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH SCOTT MATHIS FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MAIS CLASS AAA BOYS SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, when the first goal went into the net, the St. Aloysius "Flashes" felt pretty good. The second one made them breathe a little easier, and by the third one they were on top of the world. Ryan Theriot scored twice and set up Jack Dowe for a third goal as the "Flashes" routed Starkville Academy 3-0 on February 24, 2018, in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAA Boys Soccer Championship Game; and

WHEREAS, the victory was the first Boys State Soccer Title in St. Aloysius history, and the end of a long chase that spanned not only this season but decades. The "Flashes" finished this season with a 14-5 record that included a semifinal victory over four-time defending State Champion Central Hinds. This was also the first time the program had ever reached a State Championship Game.

WHEREAS, while the Flashes' offensive stars were shining, the less-heralded members of the defense were doing their job to maintain the lead. In three playoff games, the "Flashes" only allowed three goals; and

WHEREAS, the "Flashes" hoisted the Championship Trophy high and celebrated with raucous students who had made the three-hour trip for the game. They hugged each other and wore smiles filled with awe at what they had just accomplished; and

WHEREAS, the 2018 St. Aloysius Championship Soccer Team Roster is: Ethan Bagby, Chuck Beamish, Reed Bourne, Jake Brister, Dillon Chambers, Carson Collier, Jack Dowe, Thomas Dowe, Will Dowe, Randy Graves, Lee Hanks, Jose Anto Lemus-Angel, Daniel Llopis, Benjamin Lobred, Conner Smith, Wyatt Teague, Kieran Theriot, Ryan Theriot, and Liam Walters; Head Coach Scott Mathis; and Assistant Coach Jacob Brister; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the St. Aloysius "Flashes" Boys Soccer Team and Coach Scott Mathis for winning their first MAIS Class AAA Boys Soccer Championship in school history, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Scott Mathis for the team, forwarded to St. Aloysius Principal Dr. Virgil Strickland and the Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.