H*4537 Concurrent Resolution, By Govan, Cobb-Hunter, J.G. Felder, Sharpe and 
Stuart
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
 UNIVERSITY "BULL DOGS" FOOTBALL TEAM ON AN OUTSTANDING 1997 SEASON AND TO
 RECOGNIZE HEAD COACH WILLIE JEFFERIES, HIS ASSISTANT COACHES, AND STAFF
 MEMBERS FOR CONTINUING A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE.

   01/28/98  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-59
   01/29/98  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-10

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY "BULL DOGS" FOOTBALL TEAM ON AN OUTSTANDING 1997 SEASON AND TO RECOGNIZE HEAD COACH WILLIE JEFFRIES, HIS ASSISTANT COACHES, AND STAFF MEMBERS FOR CONTINUING A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE.

Whereas, South Carolina State University's Football Team compiled a 9-2 regular season record, best in the Palmetto State, and a 5-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference worksheet to finish in a time for the runnerup spot in the league; and

Whereas, the Bull Dogs earned a postseason berth in the 1997 McDonald's Heritage Bowl; this important game was played on December 27, 1997, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta; and

Whereas, this exceptional team started the season with six consecutive wins and finished nationally ranked in three polls -- the Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Top 10, the USA Today/ESPN Top 25, and The Sports Network Top 25; and

Whereas, the legendary Head Coach Willie Jeffries was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, given to the top coach in Division I-AA; and

Whereas, eight of the Bull Dog's players were placed on the All-MEAC Team (five on the first team and three on the second team); and

Whereas, one player was named to The Sports Network I-AA All-American squad and three players were selected to the prestigious Sheridan Broadcasting Network All-American Team; and

Whereas, two of the team members were among the six finalists for the Spirit Award/Tank Young Trophy, given to the most outstanding player in historical black colleges and universities; and

Whereas, one member of the Bull Dog's team was chosen as a prestigious Burger King Scholar Athlete, a National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete, and a GTE Academic All-American; and

Whereas, due to a tireless dedication and desire to succeed, the Bull Dogs brought great pride and recognition not only upon the South Carolina State University and its loyal enthusiastic students and supporters, but also to the State of South Carolina as well; and

Whereas, we would like to publicly recognize and congratulate each player, coach, and staff member for their accomplishments during 1997 and wish them every success in football seasons to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, congratulate the South Carolina State University "Bull Dogs" Football Team on an outstanding 1997 season and to recognize Head Coach Willie Jeffries, his assistant coaches, and staff members for continuing a tradition of excellence.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Head Coach Willie Jeffries.