House Resolution 15

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SUCCESSFUL CAREER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF COACH JOE B. BRADSHAW AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Coach Joe B. Bradshaw, the "winningest coach in the State of Mississippi," who began his coaching career in 1960 and has spanned more than 45 years, has announced his retirement; and

WHEREAS, born May 21, 1936, the son of a veterinarian and a nurse, Coach Bradshaw graduated from Macon High School in 1954, served in the United States Army from 1955-1957, and returned home to attend Mississippi State University, where he received his bachelor of science degree in 1961, and his master of education degree from Delta State University in 1977; and

WHEREAS, after having coached in the public school system for a number of years, Coach Bradshaw joined Strider Academy in 1972, where he has continued for the past 33 years; and

WHEREAS, during the course of those 33 years, in addition to serving as Headmaster, Coach Bradshaw has served in the capacities of teacher, head baseball coach, head football coach, head Lady Rams basketball coach and track coach; and

WHEREAS, inducted into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame in July 1994 and the Mississippi Private School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in August 2005, he has proven his leadership off the fields as well as on, as evidenced by his having served as past president and member of the MPSA Academy Activities Commission, Chairman of the Affairs Committee, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Board of Directors of Mississippi Coaches Association and the Executive Committee of the MPSA; and

WHEREAS, a noted speaker among others talents, Coach Bradshaw has been keynote speaker at coaches clinics at Mississippi State University, Memphis State, Florida State, Vanderbilt and Northwest Community College, and has on five occasions addressed the Athletic Journal Coaches Clinic; and

WHEREAS, among his accomplishments as a coach, Coach Bradshaw has won five State A football championships, nine "Coach of the Year" titles, coached and assisted the MPSA All-Star teams for 12 years from 1972-1984, won six North Central A titles, five District 2A championships, one runner-up title for MPSA Overall Lady Basketball Championship and tied six times for the North Central A title; and

WHEREAS, having inspired many youth through the engagement of sports and extracurricular activities, Coach Bradshaw, has conveyed the importance of success through one of his famous sayings, "And over that," which entails a lifetime of experience and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the service and contributions of such an outstanding and giving individual as Coach Bradshaw, whose expertise and dedication has not gone undetected by his students and colleagues:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the successful career and accomplishments of Coach Joe B. Bradshaw, congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement and extend our heartiest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Bradshaw and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.