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Press Release Archives
March, 1999

Pearl River Splits South Division DH With Gulf Coast
Wildcats Win First Game 8-3, Lose In Nightcap 13-2
PRCC 8-22 Overall, 2-7 In South Division; Big Division Doubleheaders Set This Week

     POPLARVILLE David Hobgood of Columbia blasted a three-run homer in the top of
the sixth inning Saturday in Perkinston to guide Pearl River Community College to an 8-3 South
Division victory over Mississippi Gulf Coast, but Wildcat pitching couldn't come through in the
nightcap and PRCC fell 13-2.
     Pearl River is now 8-22 overall, 2-7 in division play. On Wednesday, the Wildcats were
swept by defending state champ rival East Central 2-1 and 2-1.
     Trailing 3-1, Hobgood's centerfield smash in the first game against Gulf Coast gave the
Wildcats the lead for good. David Moore of Columbia followed with a solo homer over left to
make things 5-3 after six. PRCC turned three singles and two walks into three runs in the seventh
to ice the division win.
     Rudy Smith (4-4) of Slidell, La., picked up the win in relief. Smith pitched the sixth and
seventh innings. Starter Clay Hannaford of Lumberton went 3 2/3 innings before Steven Budde of
Slidell relieved for 1 1/3.
     Casey Almond (3-3) got the loss, while Chess Butler and Scott Smith saw relief duty for
Gulf Coast.
     Hobgood also had a single, while Rob Ford of Picayune and Casey Weems of Bay St.
Louis had two singles each and Jeremy Chance of Purvis singled.
     In the second game, the Wildcats opened the game with a single by Putnam, followed by
an RBI double by Hannaford. Hobgood sacrificed Hannaford home and PRCC had an early 2-0
lead.
     But Pearl River starter Joey Dunaway of Slidell gave up four runs before being relieved by
Matt Williams of Hattiesburg (Forrest County AHS), who gave up a solo homer by Jonathan
Herbert and two more runs before ending the inning with the Bulldogs leading 7-2.
     Gulf Coast added solo runs in the second through the fourth innings, then Herbert
smashed a three-run shot over center to end the game via the 10-run rule.
     Dunaway (2-1) got the loss, while Williams, Budde, and Joby Hogan of New Orleans
pitched in relief.
     But Gulf Coast righthander Tim Davis (5-1), a South Alabama signee, hurled a three-hitter
in going the five-inning distance.
     Against East Central, PRCC couldn't quite get the job done and snapped their five-game
winning streak.
     In the first game, Pearl River went up 1-0 in the top of the second, but the host Warriors'
two-run effort in the bottom of the fifth was more than enough for the win.
     Wildcat righthander James Cagle (1-2) of Purvis hurled a five-hitter in the first game in
going the seven-inning distance. Winner Joey Allen also allowed only five hits.
     Trey Light of Oak Grove paced the Wildcats' five-hit effort with a solo homer and a
single, while Justin Chaney and Justin Webb doubled for the Warriors.
     In the second game, East Central grabbed a solo run in the bottom of the first, but PRCC
tied things in the top of the second. The Warriors scored the winning run in the bottom of the
fifth.
     Southpaw Rudy Smith (3-4) of Slidell, La., was the losing pitcher despite allowing only
four hits in going the distance. ECCC's Danny Rushing picked-up the win, allowing only three
Wildcat hits. Hannaford had two singles, while Weems doubled. Brody Meadows doubled for the
Warriors.
     Pearl River eyes more division action Tuesday when the Wildcats travel to Hinds in
Raymond for a 4 p.m. doubleheader, then face Jones in Ellisville Saturday in a 2 p.m.
doubleheader.
     PRCC hosts Jefferson Davis (AL) in a 2 p.m. nine-inning contest Sunday, then travels to
Hinds in Raymond for a division doubleheader at 4 p.m.

Pearl River Golfers' 303 Tops Division II, III
Fields Wednesday At Wolf Hollow At Co-Lin; Wildcats Finish Third At Hinds On Tuesday

     WESSON  Pearl River Community College's Wildcat golfers' 303 team total topped
the entire Division II and Division III field here Wednesday at Wolf Hollow Country Club   a
big turnaround from Tuesday's No. 3 finish at Hinds.
     Sophomore Shawn Ferguson of Picayune shot a two-under-par 70 to earn medalist honors
at Co-Lin, while Petal freshman Brian Lee's par 72 earned him a spot on the All-Tournament
team.
     In the tournament, the Division III Wildcats' 303 bested Division II champ Northwest
(309) by six strokes.
     Pearl River freshmen D.J. Pulley of Sumrall and Travis Orgerson of LaRose, La., shot 79
and 82, respectively. Freshman James Williams of Picayune   in his first tournament play since
joining the team last week   shot a 93.
     Host Copiah-Lincoln was second in Division II with a 310, followed by Southwest (322),
Jones (325), East Central (361), and East Mississippi (381).
     In the Division II field, champ Northwest was followed by Hinds (315), Meridian (323),
Northeast (326), Mississippi Gulf Coast (331), Holmes (331), and Itawamba (342).
     At Hinds' Eagle Ridge course on Tuesday, Co-Lin topped the Division II field with a 319,
while Jones and Southwest both had scores of 321. Pearl River was third at 326, followed by East
Central (345) and East Mississippi (349).
     Orgeron's round of 75 brought him within a stroke of the All-Tournament team, while Lee
shot an 82, Ferguson an 84, Williams an 85, and Pulley an 86.
     Tournament medalist Drew Simmons of Northwest shot a 70 to give the Rangers (296)
the Division II win. Meridian was second with a 302, followed by Hinds (303), Itawamba (325),
Gulf Coast (326), and Holmes (337).

Hinds Drops PRCC Men 7-2, Women 9-0 In Tennis Action

     POPLARVILLE  Pearl River Community College's men's tennis team are 5-4 overall
after losing to Hinds 9-0 Friday and defeating Southwest 9-0 on Tuesday, while the women are 3-
5 after losing to Hinds and Copiah-Lincoln (both 9-0 losses) and defeated Southwest 6-3.
     Last Tuesday, the Lady Wildcats got a taste of the big time tennis competition at SWCC
in Summit, falling to nationally-ranked (No. 9) Co-Lin as a "warm-up" for the host Lady Bears.
     In men's singles against Hinds, Igal Buberman (HCC) defeated Joey Sumrall (PR) of
Sumrall 6-2, 6-1; Jeff Rose (PR) of Bay St. Louis defeated Trent Jones (HCC) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3;
Mark Prewitt (HCC) defeated Kevin Goldsmith (PR) of Poplarville 6-1, 6-3; Ryan Carr (HCC)
defeated Matt Nunnally (PR) of Oak Grove 6-0, 6-0; Ken Connerly (HCC) defeated Kevin Rhudy
of Picayune 6-2, 6-1; and Sam Pittman (HCC) defeated Mark Hancock (PR) of Picayune 7-6, 6-4.
     In men's doubles, Buberman-Jones (HCC) defeated Rose-Nunnally (PR) 8-5, Prewitt-Carr
(HCC) defeated Sumrall-Goldsmith (PR) 8-3, and Connerly-Joe Tuccio (HCC) defeated Rhudy-
Nando Lopes of Carriere (PR) 8-6.
     In women's singles against Hinds, Ashley Dodgen (HCC) defeated Jennifer Morgan (PR)
of Hattiesburg 6-1, 6-4; Rita Rodrigue (HCC) defeated Janice Burke (PR) of Picayune 6-0, 6-0;
Kelly Fields (HCC) defeated April Williams (PR) of Poplarville 6-4, 6-3; Marie Carter (HCC)
defeated Lori Flynt (PR) of Picayune 6-0, 6-0; Brandi Biard (HCC) defeated Mandy Ladner (PR)
of Carriere 7-5, 6-1; and Lakisha Briggs (HCC) defeated Amanda Anderson (PR) of Purvis 6-1,
6-0.
     In women's doubles, Dodgen-Rodrigue (HCC) defeated Morgan-Burke (PR) 8-0, Fields-
Carter (HCC) defeated Flynt-Williams (PR) 8-4, and Biard-Briggs (HCC) defeated Ladner-
Anderson (PR) 8-4.
     In women's singles action against Co-Lin, the No. 9-ranked women's tennis team in the
nation, Stacey Fitzsimmons (CL) defeated Morgan (PR) 6-1, 6-2; Amanda Turner (CL) defeated
Williams (PR) 6-2, 6-1; Jami Johnson (CL) defeated Burke (PR) 6-1, 6-2; Sarah Joy (CL)
defeated Flynt (PR) 6-0, 6-1; Denise Warren (CL) defeated Ladner (PR) 6-1, 6-0; and Courtney
Shivers (CL) defeated Anderson (PR) 6-0, 6-0.
     In women's doubles, Fitzsimmons-Turner (CL) defeated Morgan-Burke (PR) 8-2, Parker-
Shivers (CL) defeated Flynt-Ladner (PR) 8-1, and Warren-Johnson (CL) defeated Anderson-
Williams (PR) 8-0.
     In women's singles action against Southwest, Julia Jones (SW) defeated Morgan (PR) 6-
2, 6-1; Williams (PR) defeated Shane Forman 6-1, 7-5; Kimberly Prentiss (SW) defeated Burke
(PR) 6-3, 4-6, 7-5; Flynt (PR) defeated Candy Yawn (SW) 6-3, 6-3; Ladner (PR) defeated Candy
Yawn (SW) 6-3, 6-3; Ladner (PR) defeated Robyn Kyzar (SW) 6-1, 3-6, 6-3; and Betsy Brown
(SW) defeated Anderson (SW) 6-0, 6-0.
     In women's doubles action, Morgan-Burke (PR) defeated Jones-Forman 8-2, Flynt-
Ladner (PR) defeated Prentiss-Yawn (SW) 8-3, and Anderson-Williams (PR) defeated Brown-
Kyzar (SW) 8-6.
     The Wildcats took three singles and two doubles matches by default against the Bears. In
other men's singles action, Sumrall (PR) defeated Paul Arcediano (SW) 6-1, 6-0; Rose (PR)
defeated Bill Johnson (SW) 6-1, 6-2; and Nunnally (PR) defeated Nathaniel Coney (SW) 6-1, 6-2;
     In other men's doubles action, Nunnally-Rose (PR) defeated Arcediano-Johnson (SW) 8-
5.
     Pearl River's teams host Jones Tuesday with men's and women's action beginning at 2
p.m. On Thursday, the Wildcats play Co-Lin on the Mississippi Gulf Coast campus in Perkinston
at 10 a.m., while the Lady Wildcats take on Gulf Coast in Gulfport at 2 p.m.

Defending State Champ East Central Escapes With 2-1 Victories In Sweep Over Pearl River Wildcats Drop To 7-21 Overall, 1-7 In Division; Warriors Improve To 12-15, 5-3

     DECATUR   Pearl River Community College couldn't quite get the job done here
Wednesday and was swept by defending state champion East Central 2-1, 2-1 in South Division
doubleheader baseball action, snapping a five-game winning streak.
     PRCC dropped to 7-21 overall, 1-7 in division play; while ECCC improved to 12-15 and
5-3.
     In the first game, Pearl River went up 1-0 in the top of the second, but the host Warriors'
two-run effort in the bottom of the fifth was more than enough for the win.
     Wildcat righthander James Cagle (1-2) of Purvis hurled a five-hitter in the first game in
going the seven-inning distance. Winner Joey Allen also allowed only five hits.
     Sophomore Trey Light of Oak Grove paced the Wildcats' five-hit effort with a solo homer
and a single, while Justin Chaney and Justin Webb doubled for the Warriors.
     In the second game, East Central grabbed a solo run in the bottom of the first, but PRCC
tied things in the top of the second. The Warriors scored the winning run in the bottom of the
fifth.
     Freshman southpaw Rudy Smith (3-4) of Slidell, La., was the losing pitcher despite
allowing only four hits in going the distance. ECCC's Danny Rushing picked-up the win, allowing
only three Wildcat hits. PRCC freshman Clay Hannaford of Purvis had two singles, while
freshman Casey Weems of Bay St. Louis doubled. Brody Meadows doubled for the Warriors.
     Pearl River travels to defending South Division champ Mississippi Gulf Coast Saturday for
a 1 p.m. doubleheader, then hosts Jefferson Davis (Ala.) In a 2 p.m. nine-inning contest Sunday.
Its more division action Tuesday when the Wildcats travel to Hinds in Raymond for a 4 p.m.
doubleheader.

Pearl River Golfers' 303 Tops Division II, III Fields Wednesday At Wolf Hollow At Co-Lin; Wildcats Finish Third At Hinds On Tuesday

     WESSON   Pearl River Community College's Wildcat golfers' 303 team total topped
the entire Division II and Division III field here Wednesday at Wolf Hollow Country Club   a
big turnaround from Tuesday's No. 3 finish at Hinds.
     Sophomore Shawn Ferguson of Picayune shot a two-under-par 70 to earn medalist honors
at Co-Lin, while Petal freshman Brian Lee's par 72 earned him a spot on the All-Tournament
team.
     In the tournament, the Division III Wildcats' 303 bested Division II champ Northwest
(309) by six strokes.
     Pearl River freshmen D.J. Pulley of Sumrall and Travis Orgerson of LaRose, La., shot 79
and 82, respectively. Freshman James Williams of Picayune   in his first tournament play since
joining the team last week   shot a 93.
     Host Copiah-Lincoln was second in Division II with a 310, followed by Southwest (322),
Jones (325), East Central (361), and East Mississippi (381).
     In the Division II field, champ Northwest was followed by Hinds (315), Meridian (323),
Northeast (326), Mississippi Gulf Coast (331), Holmes (331), and Itawamba (342).
     At Hinds' Eagle Ridge course on Tuesday, Co-Lin topped the Division II field with a 319,
while Jones and Southwest both had scores of 321. Pearl River was third at 326, followed by East
Central (345) and East Mississippi (349).
     Orgeron's round of 75 brought him within a stroke of the All-Tournament team, while Lee
shot an 82, Ferguson an 84, Williams an 85, and Pulley an 86.
     Tournament medalist Drew Simmons of Northwest shot a 70 to give the Rangers (296)
the Division II win. Meridian was second with a 302, followed by Hinds (303), Itawamba (325),
Gulf Coast (326), and Holmes (337).

PRCC Wins Fifth Straight With Sweep Over Jackson State
Hannaford Throws Three-Hitter, Strikes Out 13 Batters In 7-2 Win; Wildcats Win 10-7 In Nightcap

     POPLARVILLE   Pearl River Community College righthander Clay Hannaford pitched
a three-hitter and struck out 13 Jackson State Community College batters to kick-off a non-
division doubleheader baseball sweep here Monday on the Wildcat diamond.
     PRCC won the game 7-2 and took the second 10-7 to improve to 7-19 overall. The
Wildcats have now won five straight games after dropping nine straight. The Wildcats also swept
Hibbing (Minn.) Community College on Thursday 6-1 and 14-6. Saturday's non-division
doubleheader with East Mississippi in Scooba was postponed due to rain after two innings of the
first game (make-up date to be announced).
     In his first start of the season, Hannaford picked-up his first win in going the 6 1/2-inning
distance. Jason Sullivan (3-1) was the losing pitcher.
     Things were tied 2-2 after one inning and that score remained intact until the fifth when
JoJo Moudy of Hattiesburg (Forrest County AHS) bashed a solo homer and Hannaford had an
RBI single to make things 4-2. In the sixth, David Hobgood of Columbia (East Marion) bashed an
RBI triple and David Moore of Columbia (Columbia High) had a two-RBI double to end the
scoring.
     Moore led PRCC's 10-hit attack with three doubles (three RBIs), while Moudy singled
and homered (one RBI). Hannaford had two singles (two RBIs), Chip Bilderback of El Centro,
Cal., a double; and Rob Ford of Picayune (one RBI) and Scott Putnam of Lumberton had singles.
Jeremy Chance of Purvis had an RBI sacrifice.
     Jackson State finished with three hits and no errors. PRCC had three errors.
     In the second game, things were tied a 3-3 after three, but the Wildcats added three in the
fourth and two in the fifth to lead 8-3. JSCC added four runs in the bottom of the sixth, but PRCC
answered with two in the top half to take the 10-7 win.
     Joey Dunaway (2-0) of Slidell, La. (Pope John Paul High) struck out three in his second
start of the season, while Kile Foster of Bay St. Louis (St. Stanislaus) pitched the last 1 1/3
innings in relief and recorded four Ks.
     Jason Venezel (3-2) was the losing pitcher.
     PRCC finished with 14 hits and five errors, led by Casey Weems of Bay St. Louis with a
three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth and a single, while Moore singled and doubled (two
RBIs). Bilderback singled and doubled (one RBI), while Ford and Todd Sandifer of Purvis (two
RBIs) had two singles each. Greg Mitchell of Picayune had a two-RBI single, while Hobgood
(one RBI), Putnam, and Moudy all singled.
     JSCC finished with six hits and two errors.
     In the first game against Hibbing, righthander James Cagle evened his record to 1-1 with a
four-hitter in his first start of the season. Cagle, a sophomore from Purvis, struck out six
Cardinals and walked two, while HCC starter J.J. Puzell dropped to 0-1.
     The Wildcats' used three singles and an error to jump to a 2-zip lead in the bottom of the
first inning. The Cards' made it 2-1 in the top of the third, but Ford bashed an RBI double in the
bottom of the stanza to make things 3-1.
     In the fourth, Hobgood had an RBI single, while Ford's RBI double marked the final run
of the game in the fifth.
     Pearl River finished with six hits and two errors, while Hibbing had three miscues.
     Ford led PRCC with a double and a single, while Hannaford and Hobgood had two singles
each.
     In the Hibbing nightcap, Moore opened the game with a solo homer, then Bilderback and
Weems scored to make things 3-0. Pearl River went up 5-0 in the bottom of the second, but
Hibbing's five runs in the top of the third deadlocked the score. In the bottom of the inning, the
Wildcats answered with with five more runs, then added three in the fourth.
     In the fifth, starting pitcher Dunaway   in his first plate appearance of the season
kicked-off the three-run effort with a two-run homer over centerfield, then Bilderback had an RBI
triple to make things 13-5.
     Wayne Giles of D'Iberville opened the bottom of the fifth with a triple, then scored off a
double by freshman Derek Swan of Purvis to end the scoring.
     Dunaway (1-0) went the seven inning distance for PRCC, recording 10 strikeouts. HCC
starter Frank Huffman (0-1) was the losing pitcher.
     PRCC finished with 11 hits and four errors, paced by Moore's home run and a single.
Bilderback tripled and doubled, while Weems had two singles Hannaford and freshman Paul
Purvis of Purvis had singles.
     The Wildcats eye back-to-back division games on the road, taking on defending state
champ East Central in Decatur Wednesday and Mississippi Gulf Coast in Perkinston Saturday (1
p.m. doubleheaders), then host Jefferson Davis (Ala.) next Tuesday in a 2 p.m. nine-inning
contest.

Lady Wildcats Bash 49 Hits In Hinds Sweep
Pearl River Softball Improves To 6-7 Overall, 3-1 In Division With Wins

     POPLARVILLE   Pearl River Community College bashed 49 hits in a South Division
doubleheader women's softball sweep over Hinds here Monday on the Lady Wildcat diamond.
     PRCC won the first game 12-11 and the second 22-10 to improve to 6-7 overall, 3-1 in
division play, while the Lady Eagles dropped to 11-5 and 2-4. PRCC split with division rival East
Central in Decatur last Thursday, losing the first game 12-5 and winning the nightcap 6-1.
     In Monday's first game, Hinds led 6-5 after two innings, but the Lady Wildcats' four runs
in the third and fourth made things 8-7. Both teams managed four runs in the sixth inning.
     Traci McMichael of Foxworth (West Marion) paced the Lady Wildcats' 18-hit attack with
a homer and three singles, while Leah Fincannon of Petal had two singles and a double, while
Marie (Rie-Rie) Willoughby of Petal had three singles, Jessica Fiveash of Brooklyn (Forrest
County AHS) a single and triple, Alicia Lenoir of Carriere (Pearl River Central), and Pinky Willis
of Brooklyn (FCAHS) two singles a piece; and Jana Jenkins of Brooklyn (FCAHS) and Kelly
Lewis of Carriere (Pearl River Central) a single each.
     PRCC has three errors in the game, while Hinds had 13 hits and three errors.
     In the second game, the Lady Wildcats turned 31 hits and five Hinds errors into 22 runs,
while Hinds managed 15   all singles. Trailing 7-6 after 2 1/2 innings, PRCC scored 10 runs in
the bottom of the third to make things and cruised to the lopsided victory.
     Jenkins led the way with three singles and a double, while Lenoir, Willis, and Carrie
Thornhill of Sandy Hook (West Marion) had four singles a piece. Poplarville's Stacey Guillott and
Willoughby, McMichael, and Fincannon had three singles a piece, while Fiveash singled and
doubled and Kim Fairchild of Oak Grove had a pair of singles.
     In the first game against East Central, the Lady Wildcats finished the game with only nine
hits, while the Lady Warriors had 12.
     Fiveash and Willis had two singles each, while Willoughby, McMichael, Fincannon,
Thornhill, and Mary Whitehead of Sumrall all singled.
     In the win over ECCC, PRCC had 12 hits, paced by Fiveash's double and two singles and
Willoughby's three singles. McMichael had a four-RBI single, while Fincannon, Lenoir, Thornhill,
Guillot, and Jenkins added singles.
     PRCC hosts Copiah-Lincoln in more division play Thursday (3 p.m. doubleheader, then
plays in the Northeast Tournament in New Albany Friday and Saturday (times, opponents to be
announced).

Pearl River Dean receives Scout's Silver Beaver Award

     POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College Academic Dean Wes
Estey received the Boy Scouts of America Pine Burr Area Council
1999 Silver Beaver Award.
     The Silver Beaver is awarded for worthy service to boyhood on
a council level by the National Council Boy Scouts of America.
     Dr. Estey, PRCC's academic dean since 1992, served as an adult
volunteer scouter in the Tidewater Council, Gulf Ridge Council,
South West Florida Council, and the Florida-Alabama Council before
coming to the Pine Burr Area Council.
     He has served as Tung Belt District Chairman, Commissioner,
Troop 28 Committee Chairman, and is currently serving as the
Council Commissioner.
     Forty-five of his designs have been used for PBAC activity
patches during the past six years and he has participated in
numerous council-wide scouting events and training programs.
     Estey, a native of Presque Isle, Maine, received the God and
Country Award as a Boy Scout and became an Eagle Scout in 1957.
     After completing a tour in the United States Navy, he
relocated to Tampa, where he completed a triple major BA degree and
a MA degree in Education at the University of South Florida.
     In 1965, he was recognized as one of the most outstanding
Naval Reserve instructors in the nation. Estey holds the rank of
Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve and has been a commanding officer
of three units.
     In 1969, he became a community college instructor at Polk
Community College in Winter Haven, Florida. In 1974, Estey
completed his doctorate degree from Nova University in Fort
Lauderdale and became dean at Pasco-Hernando Community College.
     Before moving to Poplarville he was campus or academic dean in
several Florida community colleges for 20 years.
     Dr. Estey completed commissioner training at Philmont, New
Mexico, served on a Woodbadge staff, and the 1997 National Jamboree
staff.
     He is the recipient of the Scouters' Training Award,
Distinguished Commissioners' Award, Commissioners' Training Award,
and the Pine Burr Area Council Award of Merit.
     Dr. Estey and his wife, Dora Mae, attend the First United
Methodist Church, and they have four children and five
grandchildren, all living in Florida.

Beanie Babies to bass boat will be on River Extravaganza auction list Sunday at 5 p.m. on Pearl River campus

     POPLARVILLE - Everything from a collection of 140 Ty Beanie
Babies to autographed footballs by Brett Farve and a golf cap by
World Match Play winner Jeff Maggert will be auctioned off during
Pearl River Community College's River Extravaganza here Sunday.
     Add in trips, gift certificates, and a bass boat and trailer
and the stage is set for a fun time with auctioneer Dub "Paw Paw"
Herring.
     The twelfth annual Extravaganza starts at 5 p.m. with 13 area
restaurants dishing up boiled crawfish, New Orleans Styled Gumbo,
smoked brisket, steak strips, smoked baby back ribs, fried turkey,
fried catfish, New Orleans spiced chicken with remoulade, sauteed
oysters, shrimp and egg plant casserole, pizza, Reuben sandwiches
and oysters on the half-shell.
     The Extravaganza's silent auction will be held during the
dinner segment with the live auction starting around 7 p.m.
     Hundreds and hundreds of auction items have been donated
including an extensive collection of Beanie Babies.
     The collection includes several different kinds of bears and
rabbits and a red cardinal named after Mark McGwire, and  Sammy, a
Ty Dye Bear named after Sammy Sosa.
     "Many generous donors have made it possible for us to offer
all of these outstanding items," said Donna Wilson, executive
director of the Development Foundation and Extravaganza director.
     Dealer's Choice will provide dinner music and entertainer
Ronnie McDowell will close out the evening with a concert.
     Jeff Lawson and Miyoka Broussard, news anchors from WLOX-TV in
Biloxi, and Kelly Sanner, a Hattiesburg businessman, will again
serve as emcees.
     Restaurants donating their time and food this year include
Bradford Seafood of Pass Christian, Chappy's of Long Beach, The
Brandon House of Columbia, Don's Seafood of Picayune, The Farmers
Market of Hattiesburg, Four Star Pizza of Poplarville, Jody's
Bakery and Caterie of Hattiesburg, KC'S Seafood Plus of
Poplarville, Lau Tori's Fine Foods of Sumrall, Sodexho Marriott
Services of Poplarville, Ole South Bar-B-Q of Bogalusa, Thomas
Catfish House of Bogalusa, and Western Corral of Columbia.
     The net proceeds of the annual PRCC event is sued to fund
student scholarships and teacher enhancement grants.
     Tickets are $30 each. To order tickets call 601-795-1183.

Wildcat Tennis Team 4-2; Lady Wildcats 2-4

     POPLARVILLE   Pearl River Community College split with Northeast Mississippi in
men's and women's non-division tennis action here Friday on the PRCC campus.
     The Wildcats improved to 4-2 with their 5-4 win, while the Lady Wildcats dropped to 2-4
via a 7-2 loss. Against Jones last Thursday in Ellisville, the men fell 8-1, while the women fell 7-2.
PRCC was swept by Hinds in Raymond last Tuesday with both teams losting 9-0
     In men's singles against Northeast, Joey Sumrall (PR) of Sumrall defeated Mark Gilliland
(NE) 7-6 (1), 6-3; Jeff Rose (PR) of Bay St. Louis defeated Brandon Gowen (NE) 6-3, 6-2;
Norman Epps (NE) defeated Matt Nunnally (PR) of Oak Grove 7-6, 6-7 (2), 6-4; Kevin
Goldsmith (PR) of Poplarville defeated Brad Marlar (NE) 7-6 (5), 6-2; Kevin Rhudy (PR) of
Picayune defeated Trae Quinn (NE) 6-2, 6-3; and Chris Coats (NE) defeated Nando Lopes (PR)
of Carriere 6-1, 6-1.
     In men's doubles, Nunnally-Rose (PR) defeated Gilliland-Gowen (NE) 8-7 (5), Sumrall-
Goldsmith (PR) defeated Marlar-Coats (NE) 8-7 (4), and Epps-Quinn (NE) defeated Lopes-Mark
Hancock of Picayune 8-7 (10).
     In women's singles againt Northeast, Jennifer Morgan (PR) of Hattiesburg defeated Leslie
Pope (NE) 6-1, 6-2; Ann-Hoorer White (NE) defeated April Williams (PR) of Poplarville 6-1, 6-
0; Emily Ward (NE) defeated Janice Burke (PR) of Picayune 6-2, 6-4; Kelly Lowery (NE)
defeated Lori Flynt (PR) of Picayune 6-0, 6-1; Jill DePoyster (NE) defeated Amanda Ladner (PR)
of Purvis 6-0, 6-0; and Kim Anderson (NE) defeated Amanda Anderson (PR) of Purvis 6-0, 6-0.
     In women's doubles, Morgan-Burke (PR) defeated Pope-White (NE) 8-3, Ward-Lowery
(NE) defeated Williams-Ladner (PR) 8-3, and Depoyster-April Braden (NE) defeated Flynt-
Anderson (PR) 8-4.
     In men's singles against Jones, Ryan Seaton (JC) defeated Sumrall (PR) 6-2, 3-6, 6-2;
Barclay Mullins (JC) defeated Rose (PR) 6-1, 6-2; Pat Welch (JC) defeated Nunnally (PR) 6-1, 6-
0; Patrick Horne (JC) defeated Goldsmith (PR) 6-3, 6-3; Alex Green (JC) defeated Rhudy (PR) 6-
0, 6-4; and David Ross (JC) defeated Hancock (PR) 7-6 (6), 6-4.
     In men's doubles, Seaton-Welch (JC) defeated Nunnally-Rose (PR) 8-5, Mullins-Green
(JC) defeated Sumrall-Goldsmith (PR) 8-6, and Hancock-Nando Lopes (PR) of Carriere defeated
Horne-Ross (JC) by default.
     In women's singles against Jones, Morgan (PR) defeated Lori Bruno (JC) 6-1, 6-2; Tara
Rogers (JC) defeated Williams (PR) 6-2, 6-3; Courtney Case (JC) defeated Burke (PR) 6-4, 6-0;
Chastity Hancock (JC) defeated Flynt (PR) 6-2, 6-0; Missy Davis (JC) defeated Ladner (PR) 6-2,
3-6, 6-2; and Kristi Jeffcoat (JC) defeated Anderson (PR) 6-1, 6-0.
     In women's doubles, Morgan-Burke (PR) defeated Bruno-Casey (JC) 8-4, Rogers-
Hancock (JC) defeated Williams-Flynt (PR) 8-3, and Davis-Mosley (JC) defeated Ladner-
Anderson (PR) 8-1.
     In men's singles against Hinds, Igal Buberman (HCC) defeated Sumrall (PR) 6-0, 2-0
retire; Trent Jones (HCC) defeated Goldsmith (PR) 6-0, 6-0; Mark Prewitt (HCC) defeated
Nunnally (PR) 6-3, 6-0; Ryan Carr (HCC) defeated Rhudy (PR) 6-3, 6-4; Bryan Parks (HCC)
defeated Hancock (PR) 6-0, 6-1; and Joey Tuccio (HCC) defeated Lopes (PR) 6-1, 6-2.
     In men's doubles, Buberman-Jones (HCC) defeated Sumrall-Rose (PR) 8-2, Prewitt-Carr
(HCC) defeated Nunnally-Goldsmith (PR) 8-2, and Parks-Tuccio (HCC) defeated Rhudy-Lopes
(PR) 8-3.

     In women's singles against Hinds, Ashley Dodgen (HCC) defeated Morgan (PR) 6-1, 6-1;
Rita Rodriguez (HCC) defeated Williams (PR) 6-0, 6-0; Kelly Fields (HCC) defeated Burke (PR)
6-1, 6-4; Marci Carter (HCC) defeated Flynt (PR) 6-0, 6-1; Jennifer Valentine (HCC) defeated
Ladner (PR) 6-1, 6-2; and Brandi Biard (HCC) defeated Anderson (PR) 6-0, 6-0.
     In women's doubles, Dodgen-Rodriguez (HCC) defeated Morgan-Williams (PR) 8-3,
Fields-LaKisha Briggs (HCC) defeated Burke-Ladner (PR) 8-3, and Valentine-Biard (HCC)
defeated Anderson-Flynt (PR) 8-2.
     In men's singles, Igal Buberman (HCC) defeated Joey Sumrall (PR) of Sumrall 6-0, 2-0
retire; Trent Jones (HCC) defeated Kevin Goldsmith (PR) of Poplarville 6-0, 6-0; Mark Prewitt
(HCC) defeated Matt Nunnally (PR) of Oak Grove 6-3, 6-0; Ryan Carr (HCC) defeated Kevin
Rhudy (PR) of Picayune 6-3, 6-4; Bryan Parks (HCC) defeated Mark Hancock (PR) of Picayune
6-0, 6-1; and Joey Tuccio (HCC) defeated Nando Lopes (PR) of Carriere 6-1, 6-2.
     In men's doubles, Buberman-Jones (HCC) defeated Sumrall-Rose (PR) 8-2, Prewitt-Carr
(HCC) defeated Nunnally-Goldsmith (PR) 8-2, and Parks-Tuccio (HCC) defeated Rhudy-Lopes
(PR) 8-3.
     PRCC coach Camille Soulier's teams return to action Tuesday with a road trip to
Southwest at Summit beginning at 12 noon, then host Hinds in 2 p.m. battles Friday. Next
Tuesday, PRCC hosts Jones beginning at 2 p.m.

Pearl River Splits With Northeast; Men 5-4 Winner, Women Fall 2-4

     POPLARVILLE   Pearl River Community College split with Northeast Mississippi in
men's and women's non-division tennis action here Friday on the PRCC campus.
     The Wildcats improved to 4-2 with their 5-4 win, while the Lady Wildcats dropped to 2-4
via a 7-2 loss.
     In men's singles, Joey Sumrall (PR) of Sumrall defeated Mark Gilliland (NE) 7-6 (1), 6-3;
Jeff Rose (PR) of Bay St. Louis defeated Brandon Gowen (NE) 6-3, 6-2; Norman Epps (NE)
defeated Matt Nunnally (PR) of Oak Grove 7-6, 6-7 (2), 6-4; Kevin Goldsmith (PR) of
Poplarville defeated Brad Marlar (NE) 7-6 (5), 6-2; Kevin Rhudy (PR) of Picayune defeated Trae
Quinn (NE) 6-2, 6-3; and Chris Coats (NE) defeated Nando Lopes (PR) of Carriere 6-1, 6-1.
     In men's doubles, Nunnally-Rose (PR) defeated Gilliland-Gowen (NE) 8-7 (5), Sumrall-
Goldsmith (PR) defeated Marlar-Coats (NE) 8-7 (4), and Epps-Quinn (NE) defeated Lopes-Mark
Hancock of Picayune 8-7 (10).
     In women's singles, Jennifer Morgan (PR) of Hattiesburg defeated Leslie Pope (NE) 6-1,
6-2; Ann-Hoorer White (NE) defeated April Williams (PR) of Poplarville 6-1, 6-0; Emily Ward
(NE) defeated Janice Burke (PR) of Picayune 6-2, 6-4; Kelly Lowery (NE) defeated Lori Flynt
(PR) of Picayune 6-0, 6-1; Jill DePoyster (NE) defeated Amanda Ladner (PR) of Purvis 6-0, 6-0;
and Kim Anderson (NE) defeated Amanda Anderson (PR) of Purvis 6-0, 6-0.
     In women's doubles, Morgan-Burke (PR) defeated Pope-White (NE) 8-3, Ward-Lowery
(NE) defeated Williams-Ladner (PR) 8-3, and Depoyster-April Braden (NE) defeated Flynt-
Anderson (PR) 8-4.
     PRCC coach Camille Soulier's teams return to action Tuesday with a road trip to
Southwest at Summit beginning at 12 noon, then host Hinds in 2 p.m. battles Friday. Next
Tuesday, PRCC hosts Jones beginning at 2 p.m.
     Jeff Clay is Northeast Mississippi's tennis coach.
Lady 'Cats Split With East Central
In South Division Softball Action

Lady 'Cats Split With East Central In South Division Softball Action

     DECATUR   Pearl River Community College's Lady Wildcats split a South Division
softball doubleheader with East Central here Thursday.
     PRCC fell 12-5 in the first game, but rebounded with a 6-1 win in the nightcap.
     The Lady Wildcats are now 4-7 overall, 1-1 in division play.
     In the loss, the Lady Wildcats finished the game with only nine hits, while the Lady
Warriors had 12.
     Forrest County AHS recruits Jessica Fiveash and Pinky Willis had two singles each for
PRCC, while Rie-Rie Willoughby of Poplarville, Traci McMichael of Foxworth (West Marion),
Leah Fincannon of Petal, Carrie Thornhill of Sandy Hook (West Marion), Mary Whitehead of
Sumrall all singled.
     In the second game, PRCC had 12 hits, paced by Fiveash's double and two singles and
Willoughby's three singles. McMichael had a four-RBI single, while Fincannon, Alicia Lenoir of
Carriere (Pearl River Central), Thornhill, Stacy Guillot of Poplarville, and Jana Jenkins of
Brooklyn (Forrest County AHS) added singles.
     PRCC returns to action Monday when it hosts division rival Hinds in a 3 p.m.
doubleheader, then hosts Copiah-Lincoln in more division play next Thursday.

Pearl River College and Mississippi State providing youth look at medical careers
 

     POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College and Mississippi
State University Extension Service are teaming up to help ensure
the presence of family practitioners throughout the state in the
years to come.
     An intense summer program aims to entice high school juniors
into family medicine as Mississippi approaches a critical need for
medical professionals.
     With one out of five Mississippi physicians over the age of
60, the Rural Medical Scholars program's aim is to identify the
state's future primary care doctors and help them become members of
the medical school class of 2008.
     Sponsored by the Rural Health Corps, a joint effort of MSU's
Extension Service, Pearl River and the state's other 14 community
and junior colleges, the program is in its second year.
     Thirty students entering their senior year of high school can
attend the six-week program at MSU. Student with at least an ACT
composite score of 25 will take two pre-med courses, zoology and
college algebra, and observe doctors at practice one afternoon a
week.
     The selected scholars will receive tuition, housing and a food
allowance for the six-week program, between June 27 and Aug. 6. A
$35 registration fee will be required.
     Pearl River Community College will select and sponsor
candidates from its six-county supporting district which includes
Forrest, Hancock, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Marion and Pearl River
counties.
     After high school graduation, participants from PRCC's
district will be eligible for a full scholarship to Pearl River
College.
     Applications are due by April 12. Contact PRCC's Dr. James
Barnes at 601-795-1290 or a high school counselor for more
information or an application. Information is also available from
county home economists or 4-H youth agents.

Senior citizens taking advantage of Body Recall class

     POPLARVILLE - Earlora Holden says she has found muscles
thought lost for the last half-century.
     Norene Moody describes herself as being 'very bendable', and
Marjorie White smiles when talking about her new found agility.
     More than twenty Poplarville senior citizens are feeling
better and enjoying life more because they are enrolled in Pearl
River Community College Wellness Center's Body Recall class.
     White, wife of retired PRCC President Marvin White, says she
has experienced significant improvements in strength, flexibility
and balance.
     "This class is something that I look forward to doing," said
White, who is a retired school teacher.
     The class meets three times a week and is designed to help
participants remember, restore and revive the body and mind.
     "This group is by far the most consistent exercisers that we
have," said Melanie Morris, Wellness Center director. "They are not
bound by chronological age. They know that the ultimate
responsibility for health and well-being that they enjoy comes from
within."
     "I have more energy and more stamina," said Moody, 73, the
wife of Dr. Homer Moody, an officer for the Pearl River College
Development Foundation.
     "The class gave me back movement and feelings I thought I had
lost forever," said Moody. "I am now bendable."
     Moody retired from teaching in 1977 because of a back ailment.
She says she has overcome the restrictions and is volunteering her
time as a mentor in the local school, by working with the local
hospital and nursing home auxiliary.
     "I have energy to work in my church and dabble in art," said
Moody. "This class has enabled me to not only feel better, but, I
have been reacquainted with people of my own age."
     Moody calls the time spent exercising an hour of friendship.
     "The members of the group come from varied backgrounds and
experiences," said White. "It is a wonderful class. I encourage
more people to take advantage of what PRC is providing."
     Holden, who will celebrate her ninetieth birthday on April 29,
is very complimentary of instructor Kay Kammer.
     "We have the best teacher," said Holden. "She (Kammer) is so
innovative. She has something new for us at every meeting."
     Holden, the widow of legendary PRCC football coach Dobie
Holden, said Kammer motivated her to want to exercise.
     "We exercise every muscle in our bodies," said Holden. "I have
discovered muscles I thought lost years ago."
     "In today's age-conscious culture, the men and women who have
taken a dive into the fountain of youth are those who have adapted
a healthy lifestyle and are making time for daily exercise," said
Morris.
     Morris noted that research indicates that it's never too late
to start exercising. Research documents significant improvements in
flexibility, balance, body composition, bone density, posture,
mobility and even mood in individuals in their 70s, 80s and 90s.
     "The decline in physical fitness that occurs with age has
little, if nothing, to do with age and much more to do with
inactivity," said Morris.
     The Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns that
inactivity increases with age, especially in women.
     "This trend is exactly opposite of what is needed to keep our
bodies strong and healthy," said Morris. "This trend is creating
bodies prone to disease and ensures that they are getting old
before their time."
     Morris believes that regular physical activity may be the
closest thing to an anti-aging tonic.
     Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, wrote about the
relationship between physical well-being and good health nearly
2500 years ago.
     "Speaking generally, all parts of the body which have a
function,if used in moderation and exercised in labors to which
each is accustomed, become healthy and well developed and age
slowly," said Hippocrates. "But, if unused and left idle, they come
liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly."
     Body Recall is offered each Fall and Spring semesters at Pearl
River College. The class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from
10:30 until 11:30 a.m. Individuals under the age of 65 pay $80 per
semester. Those over 65 years of age pay only $30.
     A physicians clearance may be required. Call the PRCC Wellness
Center at 795-9700 for more information.

PRCC will present children's play March 23 and March 25
 

     POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College Department of
Speech Communication and Theater will present the children's play,
"Emma Lou and the Big Ragout", Tuesday, March 23 at 12 noon and
Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Moody Hall Auditorium.
     General admission for the public is $1 and children under 12
will be admitted free.
     The play will also be presented at Poplarville Elementary and
Pearl River Central Elementary. Special guests for the March 23
performance will be students and teachers from PRCC's Child
Development Center.
     The cast of this fanciful production, reminiscent of "The
Wonder Wizard of Oz", includes Brandon Billiot of Poplarville,
Ericke Brown of Poplarville, Rochelle Broom of Poplarville,
Danielle Dobbs of Poplarville, Jessica Elmore of Foxworth, Jeremy
Hepler of Carriere, Michael McAndrew of Poplarville, Joy Morris of
Poplarville, Terrie Nobles of Ocean Springs, Emmie Schaibly of
Mandeville, and Laura Swilley of Hattiesburg.
     Nick Smith is stage manager, Jennifer Knight is program and
publicity director, and Chris Wooten is director.
     Two of performers, Hepler and Schaibly, have been nominated
for Irene Ryan Memorial Scholarships based on their respective
performances in the American College Theater Festival production of
"Murder in the Magnolias."

PRCC Wellness Center providing Body Recall for senior citizens
 

     POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College's Wellness Center
is offering area senior citizens an exercise program called Body
Recall each fall and spring semester.
     The class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 until
11:30 a.m. Cost of the course is $80 for individuals under the age
of 65, and $30 for those over 65.
     Melanie Morris, Wellness Center director, said a physician's
clearance may be required.
     The course is designed to help senior citizens remember,
restore and revive the body and mind. It is also an hour of
friendship.
     For more information call 601-795-9700.

Pearl River will stage Spring Fest for high school seniors
 

     POPLARVILLE  - More than 1,200 high school seniors from Pearl
River Community College's six-county district are expected for
Spring Fest here March 30.
     The festival, set to start at 9 a.m., will provide high school
seniors the opportunity to visit the campus and learn more about
PRCC and the college environment.
     Students will spend much of the day reviewing admission
procedures, financial aid, academic and vocational-technical
programs at Pearl River.
     Academic, vocational and technical program representatives
will be available to answer questions about course offerings during
a college fair in White Coliseum.
     Lunch will be provided along with performances by PRCC's jazz
band, show choir, and modeling team.
     All high school seniors from Pearl River's district of
Forrest, Hancock, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Marion, and Pearl River
counties are invited.

Pearl River Finishes Fourth In Jones Golf Tournament
Wildcats Fire 327 Score At Pine Belt National Golf Club Near Hattiesburg
 

     HATTIESBURG   Pearl River Community College finished fourth in Division III
competition in the Jones County Junior College Invitational Golf Tournament here Tuesday at
Pine Belt National.
     PRCC fired a 327, while tourney champion Copiah-Lincoln shot 312. Host Jones and
Southwest both shot 321. East Central finished fifth (370), while East Mississippi was sixth (376).
     Co-Lin also won the Hancock Bank Invitational played Monday at Millbrook Country
Club in Picayune. That tournament was hosted by PRCC and Mississippi Gulf Coast.
     Hinds won the Division II competition with a 302, followed by Northwest (306), Meridian
(316), Mississippi Gulf Coast (319), Northeast (323), Itawamba (328), and Holmes (338).
     Raphael Perez of Northwest was the Division II medalist with a round of 72, while Co-
Lin's Dusty Hutto was tops in Division III with a 73.
     Pearl River's D.J. Pulley of Sumrall topped the Wildcat team with a round of 76, followed
by Shawn Ferguson of Picayune (82), Travis Orgeron of LaRose, La., (84); and Brian Lee of
Petal (85).
     PRCC travels to Hinds in Raymond for more tournament play next Tuesday at Eagle
Ridge Country Club, then eyes more action at Co-Lin in Wesson Wednesday at Wolf Hollow
Country Club.

     WESSON   Pearl River Community College snapped a nine-game losing streak via
Tuesday's doubleheader split with Copiah-Lincoln in South Division baseball action.
     The Wildcats were nailed 15-1 in the first game, but rebounded with a 6-3 win in the
nightcap to improve to 3-19 overall, and 1-5 in division play. Co-Lin, on the other hand, stands at
13-3 overall and 3-3 in the division.
     The host Wolves took the first game in five innings via the 10-run rule. CLCC led 14-0
following its eight runs in the third, while PRCC collected its sole run in the top of the fifth. The
Wildcats finished with three hits (all singles) and two errors.
     Daniel Mouton paced Co-Lin's 14-hit attack with a homer and three singles, while Lee
Edison doubled and had two singles.
     Blake Dehart (5-0) was the winning pitcher in going the 4 1/2-inning distance, while Matt
Williams (0-4) of Hattiesburg picked-up the loss. Kile Foster of Bay St. Louis (St. Stanislaus) and
Greg Mitchell of Picayune saw relief duty.
     In the second game, Pearl River led 3-0 after 3 1/2, then added two more in the sixth and
one in the seventh. Co-Lin had a solo run in the bottom of the third and two in the seventh.
     David Hobgood of Columbia (East Marion) picked-up two of PRCC's eight hits with a
single and a home run, while Rob Ford of Picayune had a pair of singles. David Moore of
Columbia blasted a two-run homer in the sixth.
     Chris Dunn and Scott Poole had two singles each for Co-Lin.
     Lefty Rudy Smith (3-3) of Slidell, La., picked-up the win in going the distance, while Co-
Lin's Paul Joseph (4-1) picked-up his first loss of the season.
     Pearl River travels to East Mississippi in Scooba Saturday (1 p.m. doubleheader), then
hosts Jackson State Monday (1 p.m. doubleheader). East Central hosts The River in more division
action next Wednesday (4 p.m. doubleheader).

Hinds Sweeps River 9-0, 9-0
Wildcat Tennis Team Picks-Up First Loss Of Season, Lady Wildcats 2-2

     JACKSON Pearl River Community College's men's and women's tennis teams were
blanked by Hinds here Tuesday at Tennis Center South.
     The Wildcat team fell 9-0 and dropped to 3-1 on the year, while the Lady Wildcats fell 9-0
and evened their record at 2-2.
     In women's singles, Ashley Dodgen (HCC) defeated Jennifer Morgan (PR) of Hattiesburg
6-1, 6-1; Rita Rodriguez (HCC) defeated April Williams (PR) of Poplarville 6-0, 6-0; Kelly Fields
(HCC) defeated Janice Burke (PR) of Picayune 6-1, 6-4; Marci Carter (HCC) defeated Lori Flynt
(PR) of Picayune 6-0, 6-1; Jennifer Valentine (HCC) defeated Amanda Ladner (PR) of Carriere 6-
1, 6-2; and Brandi Biard (HCC) defeated Amanda Anderson (PR) of Purvis 6-0, 6-0.
     In women's doubles, Dodgen-Rodriguez (HCC) defeated Morgan-Williams (PR) 8-3,
Fields-LaKisha Briggs (HCC) defeated Burke-Ladner (PR) 8-3, and Valentine-Biard (HCC)
defeated Anderson-Flynt (PR) 8-2.
     In men's singles, Igal Buberman (HCC) defeated Joey Sumrall (PR) of Sumrall 6-0, 2-0
retire; Trent Jones (HCC) defeated Kevin Goldsmith (PR) of Poplarville 6-0, 6-0; Mark Prewitt
(HCC) defeated Matt Nunnally (PR) of Oak Grove 6-3, 6-0; Ryan Carr (HCC) defeated Kevin
Rhudy (PR) of Picayune 6-3, 6-4; Bryan Parks (HCC) defeated Mark Hancock (PR) of Picayune
6-0, 6-1; and Joey Tuccio (HCC) defeated Nando Lopes (PR) of Carriere 6-1, 6-2.
     In men's doubles, Buberman-Jones (HCC) defeated Sumrall-Rose (PR) 8-2, Prewitt-Carr
(HCC) defeated Nunnally-Goldsmith (PR) 8-2, and Parks-Tuccio (HCC) defeated Rhudy-Lopes
(PR) 8-3.
     Camille Soulier is PRCC's second-year tennis coach, while Cleon McKnight coaches
Hinds' teams.
     Pearl River plays Jones in Ellisville Thursday in 2 p.m. match-ups, then eyes Southwest in
Summit at 12 noon next Tuesday.

Pearl River Golfers Finish Second To Co-Lin In PRCC/MDCC Hancock Bank Invitational
Two Wildcats Earn All-Tourney Honors; Meridian Takes Division II Title At Millbrook

     PICAYUNE   Pearl River Community College came up a bit short in the Hancock Bank
Invitational Golf Tournament co-hosted by PRCC and Mississippi Gulf Coast here Monday at
Millbrook Country Club.
     Pearl River's 330 team score was just shy of Copiah-Lincoln's 329 for the Division III
title, while Meridian Community College took the Division II title with a 313.
     Two PRCC players   Shawn Ferguson of Picayune and D.J. Pulley of Sumrall   earned
All-Tournament honors. Ferguson led the Wildcat team with a round of 77 (five over par), while
Pulley fired a 79.
     Southwest finished third in Division III with a 339, followed by Jones (340), East Central
(376), and East Mississippi (383).
     In Division II, Hinds was second with a 318, followed by Northwest (320), Northeast
(323), Mississippi Gulf Coast (330), Itawamba (351), and Holmes (352).
     Here is a breakdown (by school) of the Division III competitors:
COPIAH-LINCOLN (329)   Dusty Hutto (medalist, All-Tournament) 75, Philip Glore (All-
Tournament) 81, Nick Olier 85, Ryan Wilson 88, John Ratcliff 92.
PEARL RIVER (330)   Shawn Ferguson (All-Tournament) 77, D.J. Pulley (All-Tournament)
79, Travis Orgeron of LaRose, La., 84; Brian Lee of Petal 90.
SOUTHWEST (339)   Wade Harrell (All-Tournament) 82, Brandon Sumrall 85, Mike Sasser
86, Wade Rushing 86, Ryan Adair 88.
JONES (340)   Benson Ross (All-Tournament) 77, Todd Ellzey 83, Mark Beard 88, Collin
Jones 92, Luke Robinson 96.
EAST CENTRAL (376)   Justin Williams 91, Justin Tranam 92, Jonathan Mills 95, Bradley
Simmons 98.
EAST MISSISSIPPI (383)   Drew McBrayer 88, Lowry Yarbrough 91, Cliff Johnson 99, Andy
Dorroh 105, Neil Riddle 120.
     Here is a breakdown (by school) of the Division II competitors:
MERIDIAN (313)   David Russell (medalist, All-Tournament) 75, Matt Swain (All-
Tournament) 75 (defeated Russell in medalist playoff), Keith Rutledge 80, Clark Weems 83, Alex
Thompson 85.
HINDS (318)   Brooks West (All-Tournament) 77, Justin Walton (All-Tournament) 79, Billy
Allen 80, Chris Moulds 82, Brent Ratliff 82.
NORTHWEST (320)   Rafael Perez (All-Tournament) 78, Joey Cresdino (All-Tournament) 79,
Andy Bynum 81, Drew Simmons 82, Michael Smith 94.
NORTHEAST (323)   Josh McClung 79, Ryan Smith 79, Ty Brown 81, Kirk Moore 84, Brad
Rolison 84.
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST (330)   Will Fisher 81, Jamie Lee 83, Mac McCormick 83, E.J.
Hamrick 83, Ricky Ryals 88.
ITAWAMBA (351)   Brodie Mask 84, Todd Roof 87, Bret Johnson 90, Dan Owens 90, Blake
Joyner 104.
HOLMES (352)   Hunter Vaughn 82, Wesley Jones 87, Jared Mayfield 89, Josh Carpenter 94,
Drew Thomas 100.
     Two individuals competed in Division II, including Michael Faust of Co-Lin with a score
of 89 and Grady Lodes of Hinds.
     Pearl River resumed play Tuesday at Pine Belt National Golf Club between Hattiesburg
and Laurel. Jones hosted that tournament. Next Tuesday, PRCC travels to Eagle Ridge Country
Club in Raymond in a tournament hosted by Hinds.
     Division III golf programs offer no scholarship benefits to their players, while Division II
programs can offer tuition-only scholarships.

Wildcats Still Struggling On Diamond
Pearl River Drops To 2-18 Following Road Sweep By Mississippi Delta

     POPLARVILLE   Pearl River Community College continues to struggle on the baseball
diamond.
     Last week, the Wildcats were swept by Mississippi Delta in Moorhead (6-2 and 11-1) and
at home against Alabama Southern (17-4 and 5-1) and dropped a nine-inning game to
Kishwaukee (Ill.) 10-3 to fall to 2-18 on the year. Pearl River traveled to Copiah-Lincoln in
Wesson Tuesday for its third South Division doubleheader of the season (results unavailable at
presstime).
     In the first game against Mississippi Delta on Friday, the Wildcats opened the scoring with
its two runs in the top of the third, but the host Trojans scored five in the bottom of the inning,
then added a solo run in the sixth to take the 6-2 win.
     Pearl River finished the game with one error, while David Hobgood of Columbia (East
Marion) led the Wildcats' seven-hit effort with a double and two singles. Mississippi Delta had
eight hits and no errors.
     Clay Hannaford (0-5) of Lumberton was the losing pitcher, while Kile Foster of Bay St.
Louis (St. Stanislaus) and Greg Mitchell of Picayune also saw mound duty.
     In the second game, the Trojans blew things open with a six-run first inning to put things
out of reach for the Wildcats. PRCC's solo run in the top of the second was all it could muster
and MDCC cruised to the 11-1 victory.
     Both teams played error-free, while Pearl River managed six hits and Mississippi Delta 13.
     Joby Hogan (0-1) of Des Allemands, La., was the losing pitcher, while Hobgood and JoJo
Moudy of Hattiesburg (Forrest County AHS) also saw mound duty.
     In the first game against Alabama Southern on Thursday, the visitors led 12-0 through 2
1/2 innings (one in first, five in second, six in third). PRCC played catch-up when Scott Putnam of
Lumberton belted a grand slam homer in the bottom of the third, but that was the Wildcats' only
runs of the game.
     Alabama Southern came back with a five-run sixth to end the game via the 10-run rule.
     Starter Rudy Smith (2-3) of Slidell, La., was the losing pitcher in his five innings on the
mound. Smith, the only southpaw on the PRCC roster, gave up 10 hits, while striking out six.
Mitchell and Foster saw relief duty.
     David Moore of Columbia and Derek Swan of Purvis led PRCC at the plate with two
singles each, while Putnam homered and Wayne Giles of D'Iberville singled to give PRCC its six
hits. The Wildcats committed 10 errors in the game.
     Alabama Southern finished with 11 hits and one error.
     Both teams played error-free in the second game and managed only four hits each. Things
were 0-0 until the top of the third when a two-run homer gave ASCC the lead. Pearl River fought
back to make things 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth, but ASCC answered with a solo run in the
sixth and two more to end the scoring in the seventh.
     Matt Williams (0-3) of Hattiesburg was the losing pitcher in his 5 1/3 innings on the
mound. He allowed one run off two hits and struck out three. James Cagle of Purvis saw relief
duty.
     Pearl River's four hits were all singles by Moore, Putnam, Hobgood, and Trey Light of
Oak Grove.
     Against Kishwaukee on March 10 (Wednesday), the Illinois-based Kougars led 10-0
before Pearl River even got on the scoreboard. The Wildcats scored two runs in the seventh and
one in the eighth.
     Righthander Steven Budde (0-4) of Slidell, La., was the losing pitcher.
     Chip Bilderback of El Centro, Cal., led Pearl River's nine-hit attack with two doubles and
a single, while Putnam had a pair of singles and a double. Rob Ford of Picayune homered for The
River in the eighth.
     Following Tuesday's Co-Lin doubleheader, PRCC travels to East Mississippi in Scooba
on Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader, then host Jackson state in a 1 p.m. doubleheader on
Monday.

Meridian Ends Lady Wildcats' Season With 94-81 Win In Region 23 Semis
Meridian Faces State Champion Co-Lin For National Tournament Berth Tonight; Gulf Coast Vs. Meridian Sets Stage For Men's Title

     CLINTON   The Pearl River Community College Lady Wildcats' basketball season
ended here Wednesday afternoon with a 94-81 loss to Meridian in the 1999 Region 23
Tournament semi-finals.
     PRCC finished 22-7 overall, while the victorious Lady Eagles improved to 23-5 and will
face state champion Copiah-Lincoln   80-70 winners over Northeast Mississippi Tuesday
tonight at 6 p.m. in the title game. Meridian will also gun for the men's championship as the
Eagles   77-56 winners over state champion Co-Lin Tuesday   take on state runner-up
Mississippi Gulf Coast at 8 p.m. Gulf Coast defeated No. 8-ranked Bossier Parish (La.) 69-65
Tuesday to earn its berth in the title game.
     Tonight's winners will head to national tournaments next week, but in different directions.
The women's nationals will be held in Tyler, Tex., while the men's is set for Hutchinson, Kan.
Sixteen teams will compete for national crowns at each event.
     Against the Lady Eagles in the semi-finals, PRCC sank an impressive 81 percent (29 of
36) of their foul shots, but couldn't consistently handle Meridian's pressure defense. It showed
early. The Lady Eagles opened with a 7-0 run, but The River followed with a 10-3 run and closed
the gap to 1 with 14:32 left in the half. Meridian built its lead to 21-14, but a minute later
sophomore Jana Jenkins' trey pulled the Lady Wildcats within 3.
     With 11 minutes left, Meridian zapped a 14-0 run to boost its lead to 35-19, then pushed it
to 20   48-28   with 1:27 left. PRCC cut the lead to 15 in the final minute with a 5-of-6 effort
at the foul line and freshman Kizzie Mark's basket that closed the half with Meridian on top 50-
35.
     The Lady Eagles went up by 20 in the opening 2 minutes of the second half, but Pearl
River retaliated with an impressive 20-3 rip to pull within 3   61-58   with 11:15 left.
Freshman Nichole Hearns' 3-pointer was the capper, while she and freshman LaKita Robertson
accounted for 15 of PRCC's 20 points during the run.
     Two-and-a-half minutes later, Meridian was back up by 12. Pearl River managed to cut
the lead to 8 twice during the remaining time. Hearns hit her third and last trey in the final seconds
to end the game.
     Hearns led all scorers with 25 points, including an 8 of 10 showing at the foul line, while
sophomore Norma Noel added 20 (12 of 15 at foul line). Robertson scored 14, sophomore Jessica
Shanklin 11 (2 treys), Mark 9, sophomore Alania Pendarvis 4, and Jenkins 3.
     For Meridian, Jackie Winfield led with 18, Monica Robertson 15, including a game-high 4
treys; Dionna Henderson 13 (3 treys), Kwanna Gambell 13, Kimberly Henry 12, Shalanda Evans
11, Tammy Bullock 8, and Tonya Williams 4.
     From the foul line, Meridian was 25 of 35 (71 percent).
     PRCC third-year assistant coach James Coward said Meridian's depth was a plus for the
Lady Eagles.
     "We've got a lot of 40-minute players on our team. Plus, playing two games in two days
can take its toll," Coward said. "We just didn't have the depth of Meridian.
     "But Coach (Polly) Kirkland and I are very proud of this group. We fought back with a
great run that put us back in the game in the second half," he continued. "And our showing at the
foul line was great. There's not many games that you get 29 points from free throws."
     This year marked the sixth appearance in the Region 23 Tournament by the Lady Wildcats
in the last seven years. In Kirkland's 12 seasons at The River, PRCC has reached the regional
championship game three times (1993, 1994, 1995) and won it in 1995.
     Wednesday's 78-68 opening-round win over East Central was Kirkland's 199th victory at
Pearl River, while the Meridian loss was her 140th.

PRCC Wellness Center providing Body Recall for senior citizens

    POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College's Wellness Center is offering area senior citizens an exercise program called Body Recall each fall and spring semester.
    The class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. Cost of the course is $80 for individuals under the age of 65, and $30 for those over 65.
    Melanie Morris, Wellness Center director, said a physician's clearance may be required.  The course is designed to help senior citizens remember, restore and revive the body and mind. It is also an hour of friendship.  For more information call 601-795-9700.

May 1 is deadline to apply for Allied Health Programs in Hattiesburg

    HATTIESBURG - The deadline for applying for allied health programs at Pearl River Community College's Forrest County Center is May 1.
    The PRCC allied health programs offered in Hattiesburg include Dental Hygienist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Therapist, Dental Assistant, Practical Nursing, and Surgical Technology.
    For more information or an application call 601-544- PRCC(7722).
    Other technical and vocational programs offered at the Forrest County Center include Electronic Technology, Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Office System Technology, and Welding Technology.
    Registration for vocational-technical classes will be held in August.