Senate Concurrent Resolution 612

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PONTOTOC HIGH SCHOOL COACH MIKE BAIN UPON BEING NAMED 2003 NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Mike Bain, one of Mississippi's most winning boys cross-country coaches, has recently been named 2003 National Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Bain, a highly acclaimed coach in the South, won the designation from the National Federation of State High School Association; and

WHEREAS, the following criteria is used in selecting the NFHS Coaches Association's coaches of the year: career coaching record; community service; involvement in other school activities; involvement in coaching profession at local, state and national levels; and philosophy of athletics; and

WHEREAS, in the first years of cross-country, starting a cross-country team was difficult, and Coach Bain would often dig into his own pocket to buy uniforms because there was no school budget for it; and

WHEREAS, Coach Bain's persistence paid off, making the boys cross-country competition at Pontotoc High School one of the most successful programs in the state; and

WHEREAS, Bain's record at Pontotoc High School speaks for itself, where he has amassed 203 wins versus 29 losses with 16 state championships and 8 runners-up; and

WHEREAS, his teams have finished either first or second in 24 of his 26 seasons at Pontotoc High School; and

WHEREAS, Coach Bain will be presented with a plaque in honor of this national award by the Mississippi High School Activities Association later this spring; and

WHEREAS, Coach Bain is a three-time Mississippi Coach of the Year and a two-time Southeast Regional Coach of the Year (1986 and 2003); and

WHEREAS, Coach Bain believes that coaching is about helping kids develop physically, mentally and spiritually, and helping kids understand that they can accomplish great things if they believe in themselves and are willing to work for it; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the special accomplishment of this outstanding cross-country coach, who has brought honor to his school, 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 and congratulate Pontotoc High School Coach Mike Bain upon being named 2003 National Coach of the Year, and wish him continued success in his future athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Bain and his family, and be made available to the Principal of Pontotoc High School and the Capitol Press Corps.