House Resolution 26

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS GOLF TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2023 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, it was a magical year for the Ripley High School Tigers Golf Team as it completed the season as the 2023 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Champions, becoming winners of two state titles within a calendar year; and

WHEREAS, in the first year of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) moving golf from the spring to the fall, Ripley finished with an overall score of 632; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers' first-round weather conditions were far from ideal, but the veteran squad battled the elements and fared much better in building a huge lead, as they drove, putted, chipped, birdied and eagled their way to lay claim to the title as State Champions; and

WHEREAS, in keeping the tradition of the teams' record of excellence on track, Ripley High School Tigers Golf Team stormed to a 16-stroke lead in the MHSAA Class 4A Tournament, and the 6-man team of Clay Adams, Jake Moffitt, Craig Bullock, Cole Adams, Jack Reid and Bo Barefield nursed the lead over the last 18 holes, winning by 18 strokes to claim the championship title, and two Ripley juniors finished in the top three individual spots, as Jake Moffitt took top honors with a 36-round score of 147, while Craig Bullock was third at 158; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers were driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, as they amplified all of their hard work and motivation, which were so apparent throughout the entire season, for the championship title, which is attributed to a combination of superb coaching by Head Coach Nik Wilcher, a broadened knowledge of the sport, and a precision refinement of their skills in execution, and they have established and continue to build upon a legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship, forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize this special group of student-athletes who reached the pinnacle of high school golf and have brought honor to Ripley High School, 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 Ripley High School Tigers Golf Team for winning the 2023 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship, and extend 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 the Ripley High School Tigers Golf Team, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.