MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DELTA STATE BASKETBALL COACH STEVE RIVES FOR BECOMING THE STATESMEN'S ALL-TIME WINNINGEST COACH, AND UPON BEING NAMED GSC WEST DIVISION COACH OF THE YEAR. 

WHEREAS, Delta State "Statesmen" Boys Basketball Coach Steve Rives became the Statesmen's all-time winningest coach with win No. 217 on the road versus Arkansas-Monticello; and

WHEREAS, Rives finished the season with 223 victories to just 119 defeats; and

WHEREAS, the 1997-98 Delta State Statesmen Basketball Team completed a fantastic 27-4 season making a run to their second appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, before falling to Kentucky-Wesleyan in the quarterfinal round; and

WHEREAS, Coach Rives was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Coach of the Year by the leagues' coaches, he also earned South Region Coach of the Year laurels from the National Association Basketball Coaches; and

WHEREAS, this years' honor is Coach Rives' third GSC Coach of the Year laurel and his second consecutive South Region honor; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this coach who has instilled such a winning attitude in his team and has brought such honor to his university and state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Delta State "Statesmen" Boys Basketball Coach Steve Rives upon becoming the Statesmen's all-time winningest coach and upon being named GSC West Division Coach of the Year, and wish him continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution be presented to Coach Rives and the President of Delta State University, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.