MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2010 2nd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) King, Butler, Fillingane, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (32nd), Lee (35th), McDaniel

Senate Concurrent Resolution 512

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PETAL HIGH SCHOOL "PANTHERS" BASEBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH LARRY WATKINS FOR WINNING THE 2010 MHSAA CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, Game 3 of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Championship Tournament at Trustmark Park on May 29, 2010, was a rematch between the biggest schools, the biggest crowds and the most exciting series in the tournament.  The Petal High School "Panthers" trounced Madison Central 15-7 and survived a potentially devastating Game 2 collapse to win the State Championship and deny Madison Central a second consecutive state championship; and

     WHEREAS, it had been 11 years, three State Championship defeats and a lot of heartaches since Head Coach Larry Watkins last won a Baseball State Championship at Petal.  Red-clad Petal fans stood and applauded while the Panthers themselves risked life and limb in a dog pile to end all dog piles.  Coach Watkins was in his 34th year at Petal and his 30th as Head Coach (a career winning percentage of 78%).  This was Watkins' fifth State Championship at Petal, but his first since 1999, and it was, as he said, "special"; and

     WHEREAS, Petal finished the 2010 Season 30-4 and was one of only two Mississippi teams (along with No. 1 Sumrall High School) in USA Today's final rankings at No. 22; and

     WHEREAS, the Panthers showed their pitching prowess in Game 1, their resiliency by bouncing back from the Game 2 letdown, and their ability to swing as they pounded out 15 hits in the series clincher.  They also showed plate discipline throughout, drawing 15 walks in the series, including 8 in the deciding Game 3.  Six of those 8 walks turned into runs, putting the game out of reach.  It is a Petal team with only three graduating starters, Byrd, Guyse, and shortstop Chase Toussaint.  The Panthers will surely be the favorites in Class 6A next season and could be building a dynasty in the Pine Belt, hoping to earn Coach Watkins another hand worth of rings; and

     WHEREAS, the Petal High School Baseball Team was honored by the Petal Board of Alderman on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at City Hall.  Mayor Hal Marx presented Coach Watkins with a Proclamation honoring the team's hard work and dedication for winning the first-ever 2010 Class 6A State Championship; and

     WHEREAS, the 2010 Petal High School Baseball Panthers' Roster:  Cody Mims, INF/P; Taylor Guyse, INF; Jacoby Langley, OF/P; Anthony Alford, INF; Matthew McCullum, OF; Trevor Williams, P/OF; Taylor Byrd, P/OF; Taler Dykes, P; Taylor Page, P; Seth Rhodes, INF; Hunter Linton, INF; Kyle Giacona, OF; Duke McLeod, INF; Justin Lingle, INF/P; Taylor Higgason, OF; Luke Lowery, P; Chase Toussaint, IF/INF/P; Caleb Ezell, INF; Blake Roberts, OF/P; Tyler Graves, C; Larson Barkurn, C/INF/P; Brandon Smith, INF/P; Cody Conkle, INF/P; Brad Farlow, C; Ethan McLeod, OF; Managers Mason Parker, Ramsey Mabile and Jeremiah Parker; Trainers Pedro Moreno and Anna Powell; Statistician Buford McClain; Head Coach Larry Watkins; Assistant Coaches Hayden Cox, Patrick Ezell, Glennie Thompson and John Lindsey; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this special achievement by a team of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, 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 Petal High School "Panthers" Baseball Team and 30-year Coach Larry Watkins for winning the first-ever Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Championship, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, families and sponsors for future success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Watkins, forwarded to Petal High School Principal Steve Simmons, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.