MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Mettetal

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FORMER OLE MISS BASKETBALL COACH VAN CHANCELLOR, THE FIRST AND ONLY COACH OF THE HOUSTON COMETS, FOLLOWING TWO CONSECUTIVE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (WNBA).

WHEREAS, Coach Van Chancellor has established himself among the nation's basketball coaching elite following two consecutive World Championships with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) as the first and only coach of the Houston Comets; and

WHEREAS, under 19 seasons of Chancellor's guidance, the Lady Rebel basketball program was the winningest program in school history and was the ninth all-time winningest women's basketball program in the nation, posting a final record of 439-154 following the 1996-1997 season which by percentage was 74%; and

WHEREAS, a Louisville, Mississippi, native, Chancellor took the Head Coach position at Ole Miss in 1978 at the age of 34, and lead the women's basketball program to recognition among the best in the nation and the Southeastern Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Chancellor resum at Ole Miss includes 14 NCAA appearances, 4 NCAA Elite 8 appearances and 5 NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, and 1 SEC Regular Season Title; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we welcome back to Mississippi this coach whose accomplishments in professional sports continue to bring honor to himself, his former schools and his native State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize former Ole Miss Basketball Coach Van Chancellor, following his two consecutive World Championships with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Houston Comets, and wish him continued success in his professional career.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Van Chancellor and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.