House Resolution 40

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING VIC PURVIS, STAR COLLEGE QUARTERBACK FROM PUCKETT AND MORTON, MISSISSIPPI, AND COLOR COMMENTATOR FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2006.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame has unveiled its Class of 2006, which features Vic Purvis, star college quarterback from Puckett and Morton, Mississippi, and radio color commentator for the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Football Team; and

WHEREAS, Vic Purvis earned 14 letters in football, basketball, baseball and track at Puckett and Morton High Schools and led his football teams in high school to a record of 22-6-3. He was MVP of the Capital Athletic Conference and played in the 1961 Mississippi High School All-Star Football Game; and

WHEREAS, a three-year letterman, as quarterback at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1963 to 1965, he was coached by Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame member Thad "Pie" Vann and led USM to a record of 18-8-1 during his college career; and

WHEREAS, Vic established numerous rushing records at the school, had two consecutive 200+ yard rushing performances against Memphis and Richmond in 1965 which made national headlines, paced USM in passing and total offense for three straight seasons and finished his college career with 1,738 yards passing, 1,497 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, Vic was Honorable Mention All-American and Academic All-American who was selected for USM student Hall of Fame and chosen Mr. USM; and

WHEREAS, he played for the Boston Patriots of the AFL for two seasons in 1966 and 1967 after signing with the club as a free agent defensive back and kick returner; and

WHEREAS, during his professional career with the Patriots, his teammates included such legendary football greats as NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame member defensive lineman Eddie Khayat; and

WHEREAS, owner of Purvis Sales and Marketing, his broadcasting career began in 1974 as color commentator at USM for "Golden Eagle" football and he has broadcast over 345 USM games; and

WHEREAS, counting games as a player and broadcaster, Vic Purvis has been involved in 372 USM gridiron contests; and

WHEREAS, he was honored with induction into the USM Athletic Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1972; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize such an outstanding athlete and sports announcer as Vic Purvis, who has brought honor to his community, his university and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Vic Purvis, star college quarterback from Puckett and Morton, Mississippi, and radio color commentator for the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Football Team, upon his induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2006, and wish him and his family continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Vic Purvis at induction ceremonies and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.