MS SC526

Recognizes East Mississippi Community College "Lions" football team for winning their fourth NJCAA National Championship in 2017, tying Gulf Coast Community College for the most among Mississippi community colleges.

Honors Head Coach Buddy Stephens as "Coach of the Year" for leading the Lions to a 31-28 victory over Arizona Western in Mississippi Bowl X at A.L. May Memorial Stadium.

Commemorates the achievement as a tribute to legendary Coach Bull Sullivan, whose disciplinary coaching methods and success were featured in a Sports Illustrated article titled "The Toughest Coach There Ever Was."

Lists the complete 2017 championship roster of 54 players and coaching staff, including quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr., who was named Mississippi Bowl Player of the Year.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Coach Stephens, EMCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner, the Board of Trustees, and the Mississippi Community College Board.