Senate Resolution 7

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SUCCESSFUL COACHING CAREER OF JAMES "BO" COX, RULEVILLE CENTRAL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, AND CONGRATULATING HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, when Ruleville Central's new football season rolls around, it will be without the familiar and undeniable face of Coach "Bo" Cox on the sidelines. Cox has decided to step down from his post as a coach and educator; and

WHEREAS, his career in the public school system includes teaching as well as coaching. Cox's coaching career began at Leland Junior High School (football and track); Rosedale Junior and High School (football, basketball and track); East Side High School (football and track); and ended with Ruleville Central (football). He has helped spearhead a successful program everywhere he has been; and

WHEREAS, Coach Cox assisted Head Coach Leland Young, Rosedale Eagles, win three state championships in 1981, 1985 and 1986. The Eagles won 40 straight games during that stretch; and

WHEREAS, as Head Football Coach at East Side, he guided the Trojans to the play-off appearances in 1991, 1992 and 1994. The Trogans compiled a record of 39 wins and 11 losses. His last season at East Side was an impressive 10-0; and

WHEREAS, Coach Cox has spent the last nine years at Ruleville Central, five years as Assistant Coach and four years as Head Football Coach. He has helped lead the Ruleville Central Tigers to seven play-off appearances that included two expeditions to the 2A North Half Title games in 1998 and 2001. While at Ruleville Central, the Tigers compiled a record of 25 wins and 10 losses; and

WHEREAS, Cox was twice named "Boliver Commercial Coach of the Year" in 1994 and 2001. He has coached players who have gone on to become professional ballplayers - Arena ball and pro ball in the NFL - Fred Barnett with the Philadelphia Eagles; Tim Barnett with the Kansas City Chiefs; Ken Lucas and Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack with the Seattle Sea Hawks and Dorsett Davis with the Denver Broncos; and

WHEREAS, Coach Cox admits that the love of sports, the students and staff have been the driving force in sustaining 30 years of service to the school systems. He has always had a passion for being a winner. While a student at Delta State University, he set two DSU track records and ranked third national in the 220-yard dash. "The passion of being a winner and doing your best is a part of who I am and what I have tried to instill in the many young people's lives that I have touched," said Coach Cox; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize the career of this individual who has mentored the youth and brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the successful coaching career of James "Bo" Cox, Ruleville Central Head Football Coach, and congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of dedicated service, and extend to him and his wife, Ora, and family the best wishes of the Senate on his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Cox and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.