House Resolution 31

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING CHET NICKLAS ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2020 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI OVERALL MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Chet Nicklas is the 2020 Male Athlete of the Year for the State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, this award was created to celebrate and recognize Mississippi's amateur athletes by nominations from coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and spectators who choose one male, one female and one youth athlete who personifies the ideals of participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts and positive attitudes of the State Games movement; and

WHEREAS, Chet Nicklas, a native of Enterprise, Mississippi, a 5K runner, was victorious in the 5K and Trail Run this year at the State Games; and

WHEREAS, a chemistry teacher, football coach and bus driver at Clarkdale High School, the versatile athlete is also the youth leader at Linwood Baptist Church in Union, and athletic prowess is a family affair for the Nicklas family — his two sons (5th and 3rd grades) have competed and placed in the State Games; and

WHEREAS, Chet is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Rural Education from the University of West Alabama on top of all of his other responsibilities, and what makes his running — he has won more than 20 medals during his career — even more remarkable is that Chet suffers from asthma; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize fine Mississippi athletes such as Chet Nicklas as its "Male Athlete of the Year," who has brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Chet Nicklas on being selected as the 2020 State Games of Mississippi Overall Male Athlete of the Year, and express best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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