MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hill, Barnett, Branning, Butler (38th), McCaughn, Moran, Polk, Seymour
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2022 PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE "WILDCATS" BASEBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST-EVER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND HEAD COACH MICHAEL AVALON FOR HIS 200TH CAREER VICTORY.
WHEREAS, there is a new champion in NJCAA Division II baseball. After a disheartening loss in game one of the 2022 Championship Series, the Pearl River Community College (PRCC) "Wildcats" persisted and won two games in a row to earn their first-ever National Championship; and
WHEREAS, PRCC had been on an impressive roll leading up to the championship series. After a record-breaking 45-win season, a MACCC Championship, and a Region 23 Championship, it was no surprise that the "Wildcats" were competing for a national title; and
WHEREAS, in Enid, Oklahoma, where the Championship Series took place, PRCC lost its first game to No. 2 nationally ranked Madison College. Fortunately, the "Wildcats" did not surrender the championship. Following a dominant victory in game two, the "Wildcats" donned their all-gold uniforms for game three. Subsequently, the gold attire was a good luck charm for PRCC as they defeated Madison College 7-2 to take home the Title of National Champions; and
WHEREAS, "They didn't make it easy for sure. That's the way we wanted it and that's the way we prepared all year. We were down early and these guys never quit. What a special group," Head Coach Michael Avalon said. "This is the best program in the country. This is the best community college in the country. I'm just thankful and blessed to be a part of it and be at Pearl River"; and
WHEREAS, the victory marked the 200th career win for Michael Avalon as a head coach; and
WHEREAS, "This is just a remarkable team and a remarkable coaching staff", PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood proudly said; and
WHEREAS, additional merits were earned after the championship. Gulfport's D.K Donaldson was awarded the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II tournament's "Most Valuable Player Award." Tate Parker, also from Gulfport, was given the "Outstanding Offensive Player Award." John Griffen Bell of Mobile, Alabama, was granted the "Outstanding Defensive Player Award," and the "Coach of the Tournament" Award was given to none other than Coach Michael Avalon; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 PRCC National Championship Roster is: D.K. Donaldson, Tate Parker, Taylor Woodcock, Brennan Jones, Triston Hickman, Lief Moore, Landen Payne, Blaise Breerwood, Jordan Belsome, Cole Fletcher, Cooper Cooksey and Head Coach Michael Avalon; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these college athletes who have brought honor to their families, their community college 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 2022 Pearl River Community College "Wildcats" Baseball Team for winning their first-ever National Championship and Head Coach Michael Avalon for his 200th career victory, and extend to the team, coaches, and sponsors our best wishes for future championships.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Michael Avalon and the Board of Trustees of Pearl River Community College and forwarded to the State Board for Community Colleges and the Capitol Press Corps.