Bill Text: MS SC607 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend NCAA Delta State University "Statesmen" Football Team for Gulf South Conference Championship.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-22 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC607 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-SC607-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Simmons (13th), Clarke, Simmons (12th), Butler (38th), Kirby, Lee, Montgomery, Polk, Stone
Senate Concurrent Resolution 607
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY "STATESMEN" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH RON ROBERTS FOR THEIR GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR EXCELLENT 2011 REGULAR SEASON AND FOR ADVANCING TO THE NCAA DIVISION II SEMIFINALS.
WHEREAS, the top-ranked Delta State University "Statesmen" Football Team (9-1, 3-0 GSC) claimed their fourth Gulf South Conference Title in five years under Head Coach Ron Roberts after a 36-33 victory over then-No. 18 West Alabama at Parker Field-McCool Stadium; and
WHEREAS, Ron Roberts became the second Head Coach in Gulf South Conference football history to guide a team to four league titles. In Roberts' five seasons, the Visalia, California, native has guided the Statesmen to a 45-14 record (76.2%) with four GSC crowns, four NCAA Division II playoff appearances, one NCAA Super Region II Title, and a national runner-up finish in 2010; and
WHEREAS, the 36-34 win over then-No. 18 West Alabama pushed the Statesmen to 4-0 against ranked opponents this season. DSU's 45-14 victory over then-No. 25 Ouachita Baptist marked the first contest against a ranked opponent this season. Delta State is 14-6 against ranked opponents since Coach Ron Roberts took over the program in 2007 and 4-0 this season; and
WHEREAS, the Statesmen (11-3) made their fourth appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs in five years under Coach Roberts. The green-and-white made back-to-back appearances in 2007 and 2008, including a quarterfinals finish in 2008. Delta State was 9-4 all-time in five previous playoff berths, including a magical run to the 2000 NCAA Division II National Championship; and
WHEREAS, the 2011 NCAA Division II Quarterfinals Game on December 3, 2011, was a game of ebbs and flows, and a game of tremendous defense, where DSU beat North Greenville University 28-23. The Statesmen lost the following weekend in the Finals to Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas; and
WHEREAS, the Don Hansen Football Committee released their 2011 NCAA All-American Team. The Statesmen were among the leaders, placing seven players with Don Hansen All-America honors. Senior cornerback Dominique Davenport and senior center Darrell Leopold were given top honors, earning All-America First Team honors. Davenport recorded five interceptions this season, and 15 pass breakups. He set a school record with 15 career interceptions. Leopold was the centerpiece of the offensive line that protected senior quarterback Micah Davis, a Don Hansen All-America Second Team honoree. Davis passed for 3,764 yards and 23 touchdowns, and also rushed for 13 touchdowns during the 2011 season. Senior defensive lineman Robbie Mayers was also named to the Don Hansen All-America Second Team. Mayers tallied 67 tackles, and 5-1/2 sacks this season and one interception. Senior wide receiver Chance Dennis and junior running back Brandon Lucas were both named to the Honorable Mention Team. Dennis caught 80 passes for the season for 1,022 yards and seven touchdowns. Lucas was named to the team as an All-Purpose position rushed for 663 yards, had 151 yards receiving, returned punts for 118 yards, and tallied 820 yards on kick returns for the season. He also threw a 62-yard touchdown pass. Linebacker Ixavier Triplett was also named to the Honorable Mention Team. Triplett posted a team-high 82 tackles for the season including 10 tackles for a loss, and 2-1/2 sacks; and
WHEREAS, the 2011 Delta State University Statesmen Football Roster is: Brandon Lucas, RB; Dominique Davenport, CB; Bryce McBride, RB; Rafael Mitchell, RB; Dwight Tillman, CB; Chance Dennis, WR; Ixavier Triplett, LB; Melvin Griffin, LB; Brett Butler, DB; Richard Freelon, RB; Micah Davis, QB; Tim Smith, WR; Lavon Downs, WR; Erick Clayton, WR; Robert Hogan, LB; Zach Hutcheson, QB; Kevin Vye, QB; Ken Griffin, LB; Montavius Hill, CB; Kenny Barnes, DB; Jerry Barnes, CB; Fred Marshall, DB; C.J. Lester, CB; Trenton Warren, DB; Eric Williams, CB; Dandrick Jackson, DB; Kelvin Boston, DB; Michael Johnson, FB; Jamarcus Jackson, RB; Brant Botill, RB; Avery Horn, RB; Skyler Parker, LS; Andrew Jones, P; Matt Dean, K; Clint Farrar, RB; Donald Boyd, CB; Caleb Smith, LB; TJ West, LB; Bill Hawkins, FB; Marvin Clayton, DB; Diego Lubin, LB; Rory Island, LB; Jack Tharp, K; Matt Snyder, K; Isaiah Corbett, DL, JeJuan McConnell, LB; Will Kent, OL; Casey Cole Carver, DL; Derrien Covington, DL; Mark Vukadinovic, OL; Joel McCleod, OL; Lamar Young, OL; Chase Sherman, OL; Dylan Unterbrink, OL; Darrell Leopold, C; Mike Clifton, OL; Harrison Lauer, OL; Kendall Hunter, OL; Denzell Lott, OL; Jonathan Alvarado, OL; Kevin Jackson, WR; Bill Franks, WR; Carlton Ollie, WR; DeJarrius Adams, WR; Jacob Sesma, TE; Chance Starkweather, DL; Dex Hopkins, TE; Dewayne Hopson, TE; D.J. Holley, WR; Reed Falkner, TE; Curtis Tucker, DL; Anthony Daniels, DL; Derrick Joslin, DL; Joe Marshall, DL; Mark Hoskins, DL; Armani Williams, DL; Robbie Mayers, DL; Mario Owens, DL; Brandon Bailey, QB; Harris Beall, P; A.J. Bowen, DL; Jordan Bush, RB; Keenan Daniels, QB; Austin Dennis, OL; Preston Felder, CB; Drew Granger, RB; Darrius Guy, RB; Robbie Haar, OL; Rashaad Hughley, LB; Bryan Lovelace, OL; Rashad Matthews, RB; Cary McCoy, RB; Philip Sullivan, P; and Stephen Varnado, LB. The coaching staff is: Head Coach Ron Roberts; Graduate Assistant Coach/Defensive Line, Matt Melton; and Graduate Assistant Coach/Linebackers, Michael Starkey; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this tremendous season and play-off run by a group of 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 Delta State University "Statesmen" Football Team and Head Coach Ron Roberts for their Gulf South Conference Championship, for their excellent 2011 Regular Season and for their NCAA Division II success, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Roberts and the Statesmen Football Team, forwarded to Delta State University President Dr. John M. Hilpert and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
