Senate Concurrent Resolution 575

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING RALPH "CATFISH" SMITH, BROOKHAVEN NATIVE WHO PLAYED TIGHT END FOR OLE MISS AND SEVERAL NFL TEAMS, UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2002.

WHEREAS, the Jackson Touchdown Club and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame have unveiled the Class of 2002 of the 40th Anniversary Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which features Ralph "Catfish" Smith, Brookhaven, Mississippi, native who played tight end for the Ole Miss Rebels and for NFL teams in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Atlanta; and

WHEREAS, his sports career is a matter of record: earned 15 letters as a multi-sport athlete at Brookhaven High; high school All American player who was also All Big 8 in basketball, and played catcher on the baseball team; played at Ole Miss and achieved football letters in 1959, 1960 and 1961; nicknamed "Catfish" by MSHOF member and founder, Jimmie "Mississippi Red" McDowell; during his three years on the varsity at Ole Miss, the Rebels finished 29-3-1, winning national championships in 1959 and 1960 and the SEC title in 1960; teammate of fellow MSHOF Class of 2002 inductee Glynn Griffing; All SEC performer on both sides of the football, one of the early tight ends in the league; selected as 2nd team All American by Red Grange; played in the 1962 Senior Bowl; drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 8th round of the NFL draft and by the San Diego Chargers in the 12th round of the AFL draft in 1962; played eight years in the NFL with the Eagles, the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons; and participated in the 1966 NFL title game between the Browns and the Green Bay Packers; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding athlete who has brought honor to his university and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ralph "Catfish" Smith, Brookhaven native who played tight end for the Ole Miss Rebels and several NFL teams, upon his induction into the 40th Anniversary Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2002, and wish him and his family continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Ralph Smith at induction ceremonies to be held on April 19, 2002, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.