House Resolution 117

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AND COACH JIMMY JOSEPH FOR WINNING THE 2021 SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Alcorn State University Lady Braves claimed the 2021 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Women's Cross Country Championship, denoting the first in the program's history as the fearless athletes amassed 68 points with four runners ranked in the top ten; and

WHEREAS, the road to the program's first title was a grind filled with challenges, from waking up at 6 a.m. to facing injuries and being discouraged, but the team's commitment to excellence to propel them past the finish line, is testament to their staying the course, trusting God and gratefulness for the opportunity to represent the team, coaches and Alcorn; and

WHEREAS, silencing critics fueled the team's motivation to defy the odds and complimented the team's dedication to completing their journey to becoming champions, all of which have further accelerated the team's competitive drive for more titles in the future; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Braves have been superbly coached and inspired by Alcorn State Head Coach Jimmy Joseph, who was named the 2021 SWAC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year, and Assistant Head Coach Miguel Mendez, who have broadened their knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the honor received by the Lady Braves' coaching personnel, several members of the Women's

Cross Country Team have received individual honors, including the selection of Runelda Jackson and Daisy Enriquez to the First Team All-SWAC, as well as, the naming of Samouya Nevers and Stellah Kiptui to the Second Team All-SWAC; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to join the students, faculty and sponsors in recognizing this special group of university student-athletes who reached one of the pinnacles of collegiate women's cross country excellence and have brought honor to their university, their community 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 commend and congratulate the Alcorn State University Women's Cross Country Team, Head Coach Jimmy Joseph, and Assistant Head Coach Miguel Mendez for winning the 2021 SWAC Championship, and extend to the athletes and coaches our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Jimmy Joseph, Interim Athletic Director Cyrus Russ, and President Felecia M. Nave on behalf of the team, to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.