Senate Concurrent Resolution 591

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 19-YEAR CAREER OF LEGENDARY DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH LLOYD CLARK UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Coach Lloyd B. Clark, Jr., is retiring at the end of the season, ending a 19-year career as Head Coach of the Delta State University Lady Statesmen basketball team; and

WHEREAS, under Clark's guidance the DSU Women's Basketball tradition burns brighter than ever. Clark has compiled an overall record of 491-97, winning 12 GSC titles, 10 NCAA regional titles and 3 NCAA Division II National Championships in 1989, 1990 and 1992. His teams have made NCAA tournament appearances in 15-of-18 seasons and played in four NCAA Division II championship games; and

WHEREAS, the Gulf South Conference has also recognized Clark's excellence as a coach, awarding him the Coach of the Year honor four times in 1986, 1987, 1993 and 2001. Clark is Delta State's All-Team Winningest Coach, having put together five 30-win seasons and 11 more with 20 or more wins; and

WHEREAS, at Walter Sillers Coliseum, Clark's teams have compiled an incredible 256-19 (.930) record, including two Final Four wins in 1989 to win the national title and become the first team ever to win an NCAA basketball national championship in its home arena; and

WHEREAS, the 61-year-old coach has amassed a 193-332 (.857) record in Gulf South Conference play, capturing GSC tournament championships in eight different seasons. Clark's teams have also compiled a 38-13 (.745) NCAA tournament record; and

WHEREAS, Clark began his storied career as girls coach at Vicksburg's Warren Central High School from 1975-1983, compiling a 245-83 record. His 1983 team at WCHS went 35-2 and was ranked as high as fifth by USA Today. The Lady Vikings made five state tournament appearances in a six-year span under Clark, finishing second twice. His teams won seven district titles and five Little Dixie Conference titles, while Clark was LDC Coach of the Year four times; and

WHEREAS, a native of Drew, Mississippi, Clark received a BS Degree in Social Science from Delta State in 1970 and later earned a Master's Degree in Education with a history emphasis from DSU in 1977; he is also a DSU History instructor; and

WHEREAS, Clark is married to the former Babs Walker of Drew, Mississippi. They have two sons, Scottie and Brady, both Delta State alumni, and two grandchildren, Walker (3) and Will (1); and

WHEREAS, Coach Clark is an avid golfer and outdoorsman, and will spend his retirement at his cabin on Oxbow River Lake; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the outstanding contributions and motivational skills of this legendary coach and teacher who has brought honor to his university, his community 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 the 19-year career of legendary Delta State University Women's Basketball Coach Lloyd Clark upon the occasion of his retirement, and wish him and his family continued success in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Clark and his family, be forwarded to the President of Delta State University and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.