MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2004 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Perkins, Buck, Clark, Morris, Robinson (63rd), Smith (27th), Thomas

House Concurrent Resolution 117

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING WILLIE "SATELLITE" TOTTEN UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME.

     WHEREAS, Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Head Football Coach Willie Totten was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on April 2, 2004; and

     WHEREAS, at age 42, Mr. Totten is the youngest inductee in this year's class of honorees and is the first recipient from MVSU to receive this prestigious honor; and

     WHEREAS, a 1987 graduate of Mississippi Valley State University and the institution's fourteenth head coach, Mr. Totten, who played from 1982-1985 under the leadership of Archie Cooley, set ground-breaking records and put the Delta Devils back on the winners' circuit after a 15-year recession; and

     WHEREAS, an All-American quarterback, Mr. Totten set numerous National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) passing records, some of which still remain unbroken to date; and

     WHEREAS, by the end of his college football career, Mr. Totten had obliterated most of the NCAA and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) records, finishing with a career total of 13,170 passing yards, 157 touchdowns, completed 952 of 1,629 passes, 11 NCAA single-season records, 13 consecutive 300-yard passing games and his number of career touchdowns remain unbroken NCAA records; and

     WHEREAS, with a four-year professional career in the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues, Mr. Totten made a brief NFL appearance in 1987 as a replacement player for the Buffalo Bills during the players' strike; and

     WHEREAS, a member of the American Football Coaches Association, the Mississippi High School Athletic Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Mr. Totten is married to the former Phaedra Brown of Yazoo City, Mississippi, and they have two daughters, Josta and Trasity; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Totten, whose accomplishments have brought great honor and pride to the state:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Willie "Satellite" Totten on his induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and extend our heartiest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Totten and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.