Bill Text: MS HR26 | 2013 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Ole Miss Rebels' Football Team; commend and congratulate upon successful 2012 season.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 5-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-02-12 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR26 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2013-HR26-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Mayo, Beckett, Brown (20th), Horan, Lamar
House Resolution 26
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2012 OLE MISS REBELS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON THAT CONCLUDED WITH A CONVINCING VICTORY IN THE BBVA COMPASS BOWL.
WHEREAS, the football program at the University of Mississippi, referred to with affection as "Ole Miss," endured the disappointment of two straight losing seasons that included a 2-10 campaign with no conference wins in 2011; and
WHEREAS, the 2012 squad reversed the Rebels' fortunes and became the 22nd Ole Miss team to win a bowl game after Head Coach Hugh Freeze successfully inspired team unity and a sense of purpose with his mantra of "win the day"; and
WHEREAS, projected to place fourteenth in the SEC in the preseason, Coach Freeze's first Rebel unit finished ninth in the conference, winning three conference games and losing three others in nail biters; and
WHEREAS, more than 50,000 University of Mississippi football fans flocked to Birmingham on January 5, 2013, for the BBVA Compass Bowl, which was the first appearance for the Rebels in the bowl and the 34th bowl appearance in school history; and
WHEREAS, on that crisp, winter day at historic Legion Field the contest between the University of Mississippi and the University of Pittsburgh was a fitting finale to the Rebels' season of resurgence, Bo Wallace's prolific passing, I'Tavius Mathers' strong runs, big returns by Jaylen Walton and gritty play from the Rebel defense enabled Ole Miss to soundly beat Pittsburgh 38-17 in their last game before joining the Atlantic Coast Conference; and
WHEREAS, the season truly turned around for the Rebels when Coach Freeze led his team to a 41-20 victory over Auburn at home, ending the Rebels' sixteen-game conference losing streak, where Ole Miss came out victorious in a game that the Rebels dominated, led by quarterback Bo Wallace's four touchdowns and Jeff Scott's 137 yards rushing and 70 yards receiving, including a dazzling touchdown reception; and
WHEREAS, on Saturday, October 27, 2012, a sea of red remained in the corner of War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, as Rebel players and fans enjoyed a 30-27 defeat of the Arkansas Razorbacks when kicker Bryson Rose nailed a 31-yard game-winning field goal as time expired, his third field goal of the game; and
WHEREAS, the Rebels recaptured the Egg Bowl Trophy with a 41-24 victory over Mississippi State University to close out the regular season in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium when quarterback Bo Wallace threw five touchdown passes, three to star wide receiver Donte Moncrief, sending the Rebel fans into a celebration with the song "Feed Moncrief" playing after each of his touchdown catches; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize excellence, and to commend those athletic teams that bring honor to their university 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 2012 Ole Miss Rebels Football Team and Head Coach Hugh Freeze for an outstanding season that concluded with a convincing victory in the BBVA Compass Bowl, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Hugh Freeze, Athletic Director Ross Bjork, Chancellor Dan Jones and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
