Senate Resolution 23

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PURVIS HIGH SCHOOL "TORNADOES" BASEBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH TONY FARLOW FOR WINNING ITS FOURTH MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, neither inclement weather nor West Lauderdale High School could keep the Purvis High School Baseball Team from its appointed rounds with destiny. It took a little longer than originally scheduled, but the "Tornadoes" pulled off a 3-2 victory in 10 innings over the Knights on June 2, 2023, to capture the Class 4A State Baseball Championship at Trustmark Park in Pearl; and

WHEREAS, for Purvis (32-6), it marked the school's fourth state baseball crown. The "Tornadoes" swept the best-of-three series, and both wins went into extra innings; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Parker, who was named the tournament's "Most Outstanding Player," drove in the game-winning run with a sacrifice fly that scored David Walker. Walker had both of the Tornadoes' hits; and

WHEREAS, it has been 11 long years since Purvis High School's baseball team has been State Champions. In his 26 seasons heading up the Purvis program, Tony Farlow said he has seen just about everything in the Purple and Gold dugout. The 2023 season, however, feels a lot different. As a team, the Tornadoes have established a come-from-behind mentality this season. "This team is very, very special," Coach Farlow said. "This team has leadership. Offensively, we have put up great numbers this year. We have been kind of building towards this"; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 "Tornadoes" State Championship roster is: Joseph Parker, Eli Lowe, Gage Jacobs, Ryder Purvis, Beau Flatt, Mikel Breland, Paxton Cooper, Caden Hartfield, Ethan Walker, Austin Lawler, Kade Lawler, Jackson Cooper, Curtis Swan, Jacob Parker, Cannon Turner, David Hudson Walker, Tyce Shepherd and Blade Davenport; Head Coach Tony Farlow; and Assistant Coaches Joe Moudy, Andy McCarter and Justin Crosby; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Purvis High School "Tornadoes" Baseball Team and Head Coach Tony Farlow for winning its fourth MHSAA Class 4A State Baseball Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Tony Farlow and Purvis High School Principal Brad Skeen for the team, forwarded to the Lamar County Board of Education, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.