Bill Text: MS HR95 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: West Lauderdale High School Boys Cross Country Team; commend upon winning MHSAA Class 4A State Championship.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-12 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR95 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR95-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Calvert
House Resolution 95
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST LAUDERDALE BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, the West Lauderdale Boys Cross Country Team reigned supreme at the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship, outperforming the competition for the third year in a row in an incredible three-peat victory; and
WHEREAS, after being named champions at the district and super-regional competitions, the West Lauderdale Knights outlasted and outpaced their competitors at the state championship as they raced along the Robert and Rebecca Watson Cross Country Course at Choctaw Trails in Clinton, Mississippi, relying on their swift feet and fierce determination to propel them past the finish line; and
WHEREAS, with fervent resolve and dauntless fortitude powering their every step, the team defeated Corinth High School by one point and improved upon their overall team average time from the prior season by 28 seconds; and
WHEREAS, while each team member raced with exemplary heart and passion, the Knights were led by several outstanding individual performances, including an extraordinary showing from Hunter Walton (16:18), who won the individual state championship title for the second year in a row; and
WHEREAS, the fifth fastest senior runner and 15th fastest overall runner in the State of Mississippi, Hunter is also a three-time all-state selection, three-time team state champion, and the record holder for the fastest 5K finish in the program's history (16:12); and
WHEREAS, two-time team state champion, Ryan Thompson ranked in sixth place with a 17:05 finish, earning an all-state selection and carrying the mantle as the state's eighth fastest sophomore runner and the 36th fastest runner overall; and
WHEREAS, in ninth place, Aaron Walls hit the tape with a remarkable run time of 17:34, and he is a standout on the track as the 25th fastest senior runner in the state, as well as a three-time all-state selection and team state champion; and
WHEREAS, Brody Gresset, a three-time team state champion, finished the race at 17:51 in 15th place, only one place away from achieving an all-state selection; and
WHEREAS, clinching the state championship for the team, Sawyer Windham (18:05) completed the race in 20th place, and this two-time team state champion beat seven runners that finished within nine seconds of him; and
WHEREAS, the final two championship runners, three-time team state champion, Stone Berg (18:34) and two-time team state champion, Owen Allen (19:02), ranked in 35th place and 48th place, respectively; and
WHEREAS, the key to this dynamic team's success throughout the season has been the amazing team spirit of each of its members, including: Eli Robinson, River Thompson, Zach Garrison, Nicholas Zingler, Deakon Vick, Larry Osborne, Caleb McAlister, Christian Nix, Payton Swenson and Sawyer Ballard; and
WHEREAS, the Knights have been superbly coached and inspired by Paul Shelly, who has served the program for six years as an assistant coach and 11 years as head coach, and Misty Atkinson and Cathy Gordon, who have coached the Knights for nine years, and together, this elite coaching staff has broadened the runners' knowledge of the sport and refined their skills in execution; and
WHEREAS, all season long, these dedicated young men pushed through long hours of hard work and intense training to hone their talent and build their stamina, giving them the tools they needed to go the distance, and their collective effort paid off in spades as they won seven invitational meets in the regular season, proving champions are made in practice; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the West Lauderdale Boys Cross Country Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this exceptional group of student-athletes, who have brought honor to their school, their community and the entire 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 West Lauderdale Boys Cross Country Team for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship, extend best wishes to the team for success in all their future endeavors, and encourage them to continue chasing their dreams.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the West Lauderdale Boys Cross Country Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
