House Resolution 49

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL RANGERS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOHN ADAMS FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Richland High School Rangers Soccer Team finished the 2018-2019 season with a state title when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A Boys Soccer State Championship on Saturday, February 9, 2019, finishing the season with an impressive 11-7-4 record; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Rangers Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the West

Lauderdale High School Knights 2-1 to secure the championship trophy and solidifying their rightful place in the annals of sports and school history; and

WHEREAS, senior Gregory Anderson led the charge to the Rangers' ascent to the pinnacle of soccer greatness, netting both of the teams two goals, with the offensive and defensive maneuverings of his fellow teammates whose hunger for the win fuels the team's perseverance to erect a stone wall guided by the true grit, fortitude and determination of each Ranger; and

WHEREAS, the 2018-2019 Rangers 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 2019 Richland High School Rangers Championship roster is comprised of the following athletes: Eduardo Arrellano; Desmond McElroy, MF, D and STRK; Harvin Rivera, MF; Gregory Anderson, FORW and MF; Cameron Allison; Logan Bynum, D; Jacob Young, MF and STRK; Gabe Denham, GK; Ajari Fairley, FORW; Billy Guevara, MF and FORW; Alan Gutierrez, FORW and MF; Jose Gutierrez, FORW and D; Ruben Harris; Benji Hernandez; Gerardo Hernandez, MF and FORW; Alex Mariano, STRK and MF; Wilmer Martinez, FORW; Lane Mims, GK and FORW; Gerardo Paredes, MF and FORW; Hagan Roberts, MF and D; Nathan Smith, D; Matt Taylor; and Felix Pena; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach John Adams, who has broadened the Rangers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and Assistant Coach Caleb Wolfe helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field and played a huge role in the success of the Richland High School Boys Soccer Team; and

WHEREAS, Coach Adams and Coach Wolfe 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 Richland High School Rangers Soccer 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Richland High School Rangers Soccer Team and Head Coach John Adams for winning the 2018-2019 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A 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 John Adams, Assistant Coach Caleb Wolfe, Athletic Director Trey Bailey, Richland High School Principal Dr. Scott Rimes, the Rankin County Board of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.