MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Davis, Frierson, Lott, Watson

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COACH M.K. TURK FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CAREER AS HEAD COACH FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI EAGLES BASKETBALL TEAM.

WHEREAS, Coach M.K. Turk began his career at The University of Southern Mississippi during the 1976-1977 season and remained the head coach through the 1995-1996 season; and

WHEREAS, Coach Turk won his first game at Southern Mississippi on December 1, 1976, against Southern Benedictine by a score of 83-82; and

WHEREAS, as head coach of the Eagles, Coach Turk compiled an outstanding 301-266 career record and a remarkable 189-71 record at home in Green Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, Coach Turk is the all-time winningest men's basketball coach at The University of Southern Mississippi as well as among men's basketball coaches at Ole Miss and Mississippi State; and

WHEREAS, Coach Turk led the Eagles to six NIT appearances, a 1987 NIT Championship, two NCAA Tournament appearances, 1991 Metro Conference regular season championship, three appearances in the Metro Conference finals; and

WHEREAS, Coach Turk has coached seven first team All-Metro Conference selections and four players selected to the NBA draft, including two first round picks; and

WHEREAS, Coach Turk earned his 100th game win on February 19, 1983, against Cincinnati, his 200th game win on January 15, 1990, against Arkansas State, his 300th game win on February 24, 1996, against South Florida; and

WHEREAS, Coach Turk received many awards and honors throughout his long and distinguished career at The University of Southern Mississippi including the 1986 NIT Coach of the Year and the 1985-1986 Metro Conference Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, for twenty seasons of basketball, the Eagles have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Turk, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by coaches such as Coach M.K. Turk, who has dedicated his career to guiding and leading so many young men:

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 Head Coach M.K. Turk for his outstanding career as coach of The University of Southern Mississippi Eagles Basketball Team and extend heartiest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach M.K. Turk, The University of Southern Mississippi and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.