Bill Text: MS SC536 | 2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commend Belhaven University "Blazers" Men's Soccer Team for winning 2012 NAIA National Championship.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-2)
Status: (Passed) 2013-02-12 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC536 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2013-SC536-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Blount
Senate Concurrent Resolution 536
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY "BLAZERS" MEN'S SOCCER TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2012 NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, on the 20th anniversary of its first National Title, the Belhaven University "Blazers" Men's Soccer Team added a second on December 1, 2012, defeated the University of Mobile 2-0 in the 2012 NAIA National Championship at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer complex in Montgomery, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, the Blazers scored two goals in the first half and the defense did the rest by posting the third shutout in five national tournament games; and
WHEREAS, Belhaven (19-4-1) drew up a familiar game plan Saturday night and that was to control the game by winning the possession battle. Mobile (17-5-2) stepped up its attack over the final minutes of the first half, but couldn't solve the Belhaven defense. That same scenario continued through the second period even though the Rams outshot Belhaven 21-12 on the afternoon. The Blazers survived the onslaught with solid defense throughout the tournament. As the saying goes, "offense wins games and defense wins championships," and that saying proved true in the tournament; and
WHEREAS, "This is a very special experience and a great feeling," said first year Head Coach Brian McMahon. The common denominator in this tournament was that Belhaven dictated its style of play to the opponents; and
WHEREAS, Victor Lawrence led the offense with three shots, including two on goal with one finding the back of the net for the game winner. Lawrence was also named the 2012 NAIA National Championship Tournament MVP. Lawrence described what this moment was like for him and his teammates following the match. "This feels incredible and this team is like a family," said Lawrence. "This year our goal was to play well and to make a strong run in the national tournament. We made it to round 16 last year and our goal was to win the Championship this season"; and
WHEREAS, Tom Cosgrave, who was named the Defensive Player of the Tournament, had only one shot but found the back of the net. Cosgrave anchored the defense and helped stop numerous attacks throughout the tournament. Not to be forgotten, goalie Carl Blundell was also a critical piece to the puzzle in Belhaven's Championship run. Blundell made four more saves on Saturday to earn the winning goal. Blundell was recognized for his efforts by being named to the All-Tournament Team. Other All-Tournament player honors for Belhaven were issued to midfielders Eduardo Cruz and Tom Gavin; and
WHEREAS, the 2012 Blazers Soccer roster is: Carl Blundell, GK; Camilo Solarte, GK; Steven Raymont, GK; David Cole, D; Quentin Duquenne, MF; Colby Case, MF; Marco Pavlin, MF; Tom Gavin, D; Edison Sanchez, D; David Major, MF; Simon Barinas, F; Guilherme Sousa, MF; Loic Miliani, F; Johnny Saye, MF; Jermaine Metz, MF; Nasser Charif, MF; Victor France, MF; Tom Cosgrave, D; Eduardo Cruz, F; Giovanni Correa, MF; Felipe Ferreira, MF; Will Monsour, F; Vijay Brahmbhatt, D; Sam Rosselli, D; Jake Benton, F; Rodrigo Suarez, D; Paul Tanguy, MF; Bryan Kenny, D; Ali Jaffrey, D; Victor Lawrence, MF; Victor Franca, GK; Joao Belmonte, F; Peter Beniseau, MF; Brandon Bishop, D; Jeremiah Blough, MF; Bradley Braaten, D; Michael Colvin, D/M; Jonathan Dickson, MF; Brian Dupont, MF; Pedro Fasolin, MF; Joseph Ifiegbu, D; Evan Jones, D; Arnold Mbandi, F; Sean McCullough, D/M; Philip Nichols, D; Paul Pinson, MF; Daniel Prado, D; Deonte Sanders, D; Joe Alex Scott, MF; Josh Tharp, MF; Cillian Thompson, MF; Conor Twomey, D; Branum Vardell, MF; Judson Watson, MF; Andrew Watters, MF; Curtis Young, MF; Coaching Staff: Brian McMahon, Head Men's Soccer Coach; Tim Byrnes, Associate Head Men's Soccer Coach; John Kehoe, Graduate Assistant Coach Men's Soccer; Joel Robinson, Graduate Assistant/Goalkeeper's Coach and Kirk McDonnell, Director of Sports Information; and
WHEREAS, this National Championship is the third overall for Belhaven University and second for the men's soccer program. The 1983 men's Tennis Team owns the school's other National Title, and it is with great pride that we recognize this group of university student athletes who have brought honor to their university, their community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Belhaven University "Blazers" Men's Soccer Team for winning the 2012 NAIA National Championship, and extend to their coaches and team members our best wishes on this high honor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Brian McMahon and President Dr. Roger Parrott for the team and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
