Senate Resolution 40

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BAY HIGH SCHOOL "TIGERS" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHRIS DOXEY FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Coast schools were well-represented at the 2024 State Championships in Madison, Mississippi. On February 17, 2024, the Bay High School "Tigers" defeated New Albany 1-0 in a thriller to capture the 2024 Boys Soccer 4A State Championship for the second consecutive season;

WHEREAS, the "Tigers" came in just one loss on the season and had big wins over teams like Oak Grove and Saint Stanislaus. In the South State title game, Bay High found themselves down to pass but managed to squeak out a victory; and

WHEREAS, the championship game was a slow start for the "Tigers" who battled the wind in the first half, with New Albany getting many chances towards goal. The feeling was the "Tigers" were going to be in a close game once again; however, finally, Bay High was able to find the back of the net; and

WHEREAS, Bay High Head Coach Chris Doxey said "We tried to go undefeated this year, lost the last game of the season, but the resiliency these guys have shown all year was commendable." He went on, "Hats off to Sawyer Bilbo. He stepped up two games in a row. He's a game winner"; and

WHEREAS, Avery Harris, 4A State Title Game MVP, said "We finally got the wind on our side, and the momentum. Everything was good"; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Bay High "Tigers" Championship roster was: Alex Harris, Avery Harris, Bryton Dupuy, Joel Ulrich, Braden Pepperman, Gavin Garcia, Charles Richardson, Sawyer Bilbo, Maddox Hudgens, Daniel Corona, Chris Zavala, Case Patton, Tripp Barraclough, Yeferson Lemus, Kayden Rose, Zane Richard, David Cordova, Isaac Favre, Iker Rivera, Andres Benitez-Morales, Mason Bosarge, Nathan Steven, Braden Thomas, River Saucier, Zayonte Acker, Brennan Acosta, Ivan Lan, Keegan Walls, Aiden Boudro, Kelvin Laneaux, Erik Booth, Griffin Garcia, Roy Reyes, Erik Zuniga, Coach Chris Doxey, Coach Kelly Ross and Coach Grant Adam; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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 Bay High School "Tigers" Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Chris Doxey for winning their second consecutive MHSAA Class 4A State Championship and extend the best wishes of the Senate for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Bay High School Head Coach Chris Doxey, forwarded to Bay High School Assistant Principals Johnette Bilbo and Zach Ferry, forwarded to the Hancock County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.