House Resolution 109

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COACH JOHN PHILLIP PUGH FOR HIS CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS COACH OF THE BILOXI HIGH SCHOOL INDIANS BASKETBALL TEAM.

WHEREAS, Coach John Phillip Pugh, a 1973 graduate of Biloxi High School, has compiled an impressive career record of 243 wins and 73 losses since beginning his coaching career at Biloxi High School in 1985; and

WHEREAS, after being hired in 1985 as assistant coach, Coach Pugh enjoyed the success of the Indians 1989 and 1990 basketball teams, which won two consecutive state championships; and

WHEREAS, in 1995, Coach Pugh acquired the position as Head Coach of the Indians Basketball Team, and has since claimed seven district titles, one south state title (2000) and two additional state championships in 2001 and 2004; and

WHEREAS, Coach Pugh's most recent victory came after he intuitively coached the 2003-2004 team for the Biloxi High School Indians to a 70-60 victory over the Hattiesburg High School Tigers for the Class 5A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, in the course of his almost 20-year career of coaching at Biloxi High School, Coach Pugh's impressive record has garnered him much recognition and commendation; and

WHEREAS, for his successes Coach Pugh has been honored with several awards, including being named Mississippi Coach of the Year by The Clarion-Ledger and The Sun Herald Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Coach Pugh's pursuit of excellence has motivated the Biloxi Indians to play harder and inspired them to win in order to reach their goal, but even more so to strive for the team's ultimate goal, which is the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, through his 20 years of coaching and conditioning, Coach Pugh has superbly coached and inspired all of his teams' players, and has broadened their knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Pugh's exhibition of superior coaching technique has proven successful as evidenced by the great accomplishments he has achieved in his career; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in the accomplishments of such an outstanding Mississippian and coach as Coach John Phillip Pugh, whose rise to the top will always be remembered:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the accomplishments of Coach John Phillip Pugh as Coach of the Biloxi High School Indians Basketball Team.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach John Phillip Pugh, Biloxi High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.