Bill Text: MS HC83 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: East Central Community College Warriors Football Team; commend for outstanding 2015 season.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-21 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC83 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-HC83-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Rushing, Bounds, Evans (45th), Hood, Roberson, Shirley, Mickens, Miles, Walker, White
House Concurrent Resolution 83
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE EAST CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE WARRIORS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL 2015 SEASON.
WHEREAS, the East Central Community College (ECCC) Warriors Football Team had an exceptional 2015 season, finishing with an 8-3 record under third-year Head Coach Ken Karcher, the college's best record since 1999; and
WHEREAS, all three losses during the 2015 season were by a combined total of 26 points to teams ranked in the Top 10 of the final National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Top 20 Football Poll; and
WHEREAS, the Warriors finished second in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) South Division with a 4-2 division record and qualified for the MACJC State Playoffs for the first time since 2001; and
WHEREAS, the Warriors traveled to Senatobia, Mississippi, and put on a gutsy performance in the MACJC semifinal game, falling 27-20 on a fourth quarter touchdown by Northwest Mississippi Community College, the eventual State and National Champion; and
WHEREAS, the ECCC Warriors were invited to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas (HOT) Bowl in Copperas Cove, Texas, their first bowl invitation in 19 years and only the third invitation in the college's 87-year history; and
WHEREAS, the Warriors were one of only 14 community college teams in the nation that were invited to bowl games in 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Warriors defeated Kilgore College by the score of 35-21 to win the 2015 HOT Bowl trophy on December 5, 2015; and
WHEREAS, sophomore safety Austin Balthazor of Seminary High School was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2015 HOT Bowl after returning a fumble 90 yards for a touchdown and making six tackles; and
WHEREAS, the Warriors were ranked No. 10 in the nation in the final NJCAA Top 20 Football Poll for the 2015 season; and
WHEREAS, several members of the Warriors Football Team received postseason recognition, including: Austin Balthazor, Second Team All-State Defense; sophomore wide receiver Kabion Ento of Dollarway High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, All-Region 23 and First Team All-State Offense; sophomore defensive lineman Derek Mahaffey of Oxford High School, Alabama, All-Region 23 and First Team All-State Defense; sophomore linebacker Eric McPherson of Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi, First Team All-State Defense; sophomore offensive lineman Hunter Soileau of Forrest County High School, Mississippi, Second Team All-State Offense; sophomore quarterback Jesse Hosket of French Camp Academy, Mississippi, First Team All-State Offense; sophomore tight end Jordan Thomas of Sumrall High School, Mississippi, Second Team All-State Offense; and sophomore offensive lineman Eddie Houston of Newton High School, Mississippi, Second Team All-State Offense; and
WHEREAS, in addition to receiving postseason recognition and awards, several members of the Warrior Football Team were recognized by their teammates and coaches for their hard work, dedication and superior play in 2015, including: Austin Balthazor, Defensive Captain Award; sophomore offensive lineman Micah Parten of Northwest Rankin High School, Mississippi, Offensive Captain Award; defensive lineman Jerry Magee of Collins High School, Mississippi, Most Improved Defensive Player Award; Jesse Hosket, Luke 2:52 Award and Academic Award; Jordan Thomas, Most Improved Offensive Player Award; and Eddie Houston, Academic Award; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his team's outstanding season, Head Coach Ken Karcher was selected as the MACJC South Division Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, many Warriors will continue their football careers next fall at NCAA Division I and Division II colleges and universities, including Mississippi State University, the University of Colorado, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Nicholls State University, University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Tech University, University of Arkansas Monticello, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Missouri State University and Delta State University, among others; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Warriors Football Team have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude on and off the field reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to East Central Community College, the team members' parents and hometown communities, and the State of Mississippi as they have achieved these accolades the ECCC way, "Excellence with Class"; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young adults of our state, who are its future:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the East Central Community College Warriors Football Team and Head Coach Ken Karcher and his staff for their outstanding 2015 season, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future academic and athletic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to East Central Community College President Dr. Billy Stewart, Head Coach Ken Karcher and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
