House Concurrent Resolution 66

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CAREER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. TROY ARLIS RICKS UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME.

WHEREAS, on July 27, 2007, retired Hinds Community College Head Basketball Coach Troy Arlis Ricks, will be inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame at the age of 87, becoming the oldest newcomer to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, born January 26, 1920, in Wheeler, Mississippi, Mr. Ricks, upon graduating from Wheeler High School attended Sunflower Junior College (Mississippi Delta Community College); Delta State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree; University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his master’s degree; and Mississippi College, where he obtained a master’s in guidance; and

WHEREAS, before assuming the position of head basketball coach at Hinds Junior College in 1951, a position he held until 1970, Mr. Ricks coached at Saltillo High School in 1947 and Copiah-Lincoln Junior College from 1947 until 1949 when he became principal of Raymond High School; and

WHEREAS, during his coaching career at Hinds Junior College, he compiled a record of 323-148, and an overall coaching record of 441-156, a 73% overall winning record, reflecting several state and regional titles; and

WHEREAS, in addition to basketball, Mr. Ricks also coached the college baseball team for a year, in 1957, and won the State Junior College Baseball Championship with a 9-1 record, and for his remarkable service, was presented the Distinguished Service Award from the Mississippi Association of Coaches; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ricks played professional basketball with Kansas City’s Union Wire Rope Team, which won the league title before he was drafted into the United States Army to serve during World War II, serving with the Anti Tank Company 128th Infantry with campaigns in Luzon, New Guinea, and the Southern Philippines and received several commendations for his valiant and selfless service; and

WHEREAS, after hanging up his coach’s whistle, Mr. Ricks served Hinds Junior College as the college’s Director of Veteran Affairs until his retirement in 1983; and

WHEREAS, the honors and commendations received by Mr. Ricks consist of the following: inductions into the Delta State University Alumni Coaches Hall of Fame in 2002, Mississippi Delta Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, Copiah-Lincoln Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, Hinds Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and Delta State University in 1973, and having a scholarship established in his name at Hinds Community College in 1999; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career and endeavors, Mr. Ricks has enjoyed the support of love and encouragement from his family: wife, Maude Enis Ricks; and children, Ricky Mallory, Troy Ricks, Jr., and William Ricks; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor such outstanding and accomplished individuals as Mr. Ricks, whose distinguished career as a winning coach and educator has brought great success and pride to himself and the educational institutions he has been privileged to serve:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Troy Arlis Ricks upon his career and accomplishments, for being inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and express our warmest wishes for continued health, prosperity and success in all of his future endeavors.

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