Senate Resolution 89

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2026 ST. PATRICK FIGHTING IRISH BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND COACH RYAN WORSHAM FOR THEIR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 2017.

WHEREAS, the St. Patrick High School Fighting Irish are state champions for the first time since 2017 after taking down St. Andrew's in the Class I Boys Soccer Title Game in Jackson on February 20, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Tristan Davis' rainbow first-half shot into the upper back corner of the net was the difference in St. Patrick's long-awaited return to the top. Davis, the MVP of the match, launched a towering kick from 60 feet away on the far sideline less than 20 minutes into the game, and the ball found its way into the thin window between the goalkeeper's outstretched hands and the top of the far post; and

WHEREAS, "We worked so hard for this for so long and to finally hold that Gold Ball, it's pretty incredible. We wanted to challenge ourselves (this season) and we did that," Coach Ryan Worsham said after the game; and

WHEREAS, the Irish survived a card-riddled evening thanks to the protection of goalie John Dreger and an experienced senior-heavy roster; and

WHEREAS, St. Patrick won its first South State crown in three attempts under Coach Worsham in his fifth-year in the semifinal before finally breaking through and bringing home a Gold Ball. St. Patrick swept the title matches following the girls win earlier in the evening; and

WHEREAS, the 2025-2026 St. Patrick High School Varsity Boys Fighting Irish Soccer Team Roster: John Dreger, Grant Wall, Tristan Davis, Caleb McCune, George Neumann, Ayden Cosper, Peter Barhonovich, Cameron Messer, Payton Taylor, Luke Shaw, Hunter Robinson, Lucas Kurihara, Gage Anderson, Sam McClain, Bishop Smith, Byron Theriot, Niko Barhonovich, Miles Smith, Bentley Puzz, Cobie Martino, Kingston Davis, Brady Gopffarth, Noah Sullivan, Tripp Sala, Luke Wharburton, Graham Mattina, Cooper Messer, Sage Vigilianco, Sam Bernadas and Walter Sulas; and Head Coach Ryan Worsham; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these student-athletes who have brought honor to their school, 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 2026 St. Patrick Fighting Irish Boys Soccer Team and Coach Ryan Worsham for their first state championship since 2017, and extend to the team, coaches, administration, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Ryan Worsham and Principal Paul Knapstein, forwarded to the Board of Directors for St. Patrick High School, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.