House Resolution 138

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AND COACH MARK THORNE FOR WINNING CONSECUTIVE 2021 AND 2022 SWAC CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Tigers, who claimed their second Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men's Cross Country Championship title in 2021, after having last clenched the trophy in 2017, irrefutably established themselves as the kings of cross country, by following up the 2021 Championship with a consecutive 2022 (SWAC) Men's Cross Country Championship; and

WHEREAS, the road to the program's third SWAC title in five years was a grind filled with challenges, but the team's commitment to excellence to propel them past the finish line, is testamentary to their staying the course, trusting God and grateful for the opportunity to represent the team, coaches and Jackson; 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 Tigers have been superbly coached and inspired by Jackson State Head Coach Mark Thorne, who was named SWAC Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year for 2021 and 2022, and who has broadened the runners knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the honors received by Coach Thorne Tigers' coaching personnel, several members of the Men's Cross Country Team have received individual honors during the two seasons, including: the 2021 selection of Brian Koringo and Jallah Galimah to the First Team All-SWAC; the 2021 selection of Tyler Duncan to the Second Team All-SWAC; and the 2022 selection of Tyler Duncan, Jallah Galimah and Marquentin Barnes to the First Team All-SWAC; the 2022 selection of Tyler Duncan as SWAC Runner of the Year; and appearances in the 2021 and 2022 NCAA Cross Country South Regional Championships; 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 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 Jackson State University Men's Cross Country Team and Head Coach Mark Thorne for winning the 2022 SWAC Championship, and extend our best wishes for continued success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Mark Thorne, Interim President Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony on behalf of the Men's Cross Country Team, to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.