MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harden, Frazier, Walls, Hall, Burton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING WILLIAM C. "W.C." GORDEN UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE 1997 MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME. 

WHEREAS, William C. "W.C." Gorden, a legendary championship football coach for the Jackson State Tigers from 1976-1991, has recently been honored by his induction into the 1997 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, William C. Gorden began his coaching career in 1957 at Magnolia, Mississippi, where he served as athletic director and head football, baseball, basketball and track coach at the now defunct Eva Gordon High School; and

WHEREAS, in 1966, William C. Gorden departed Magnolia, Mississippi, and was named head football coach and athletic director at Temple High School in Vicksburg, leading Temple to the prestigious Big 8 Conference State Football Crown in 1966 when his football team racked up a perfect 11-0 record; and

WHEREAS, William C. Gorden arrived at Jackson State University in 1971 when he was selected as defensive coordinator and head baseball coach; and

WHEREAS, William C. Gorden was named Jackson State head football coach in 1977 and remained in that position until his departure in 1991, leading his teams to 8 SWAC titles and 9 NCAA playoff appearances; and

WHEREAS, William C. Gorden was named SWAC Coach of the Year 6 times and 32 of his former players at Jackson State University have played pro football, 29 of which were drafted by NFL teams; and

WHEREAS, under his guidance, Jackson State went on a phenomenal winning streak from 1985 to 1989 as the Blue Bengals set a SWAC record by winning 28 consecutive SWAC games; and

WHEREAS, Coach Gorden's teams won 8 or more games in 13 of the 15 seasons he coached the JSU Tigers, making him the winningest coach in the history of Jackson State University; and

WHEREAS, while coaching at Jackson State University, Coach Gorden taught health classes and is a published researcher and writer; and

WHEREAS, his vast list of community service work and memberships is incredible, including Boy Scouts of America; Phi Delta Kappa; American Association for Physical Educators; Charter Member of the Opera South Guild; Central United Methodist Church; free football clinic in Pritchard, Alabama; WLBT-TV Easter Seal Telethon; Summer Youth Program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Mississippi Mental Health Club; Jackson Noon Optimist Club; Volunteer Assistant in Partners for Education; key communicator for Jackson Public Schools; and Jackson Touchdown Club; and

WHEREAS, William C. Gorden is married to Vivian Howard Gorden, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and has two sons, Craig and Robin; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding achievements of its citizens, especially of those who guide our young people:

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 William C. "W.C." Gorden upon his induction into the 1997 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach W.C. Gorden and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.