Senate Concurrent Resolution 542

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING INGOMAR COACH NORRIS ASHLEY FOR ACHIEVING THE RECORD OF ALL-TIME COACHING VICTORIES IN MISSISSIPPI BOYS BASKETBALL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, President Richard Nixon was in the White House and those Amazin' Mets won their first World Series when Norris Ashley launched his coaching career in 1969. Little did Coach Ashley realize that, 38 seasons later, he'd become the winningest coach in Mississippi boys basketball history; and

WHEREAS, led by freshman guard Tyler Jarvis' 29 points, Ashley gained his 905th career victory Monday night, December 11, 2006, as Ingomar beat East Union 67-38 at home before an estimated crowd of 500; and

WHEREAS, Ashley, 59, is 905-412 in 38 seasons at Coahoma County and Ingomar, his alma mater. He surpassed Sam Richey, 68, who went 904-414 at Jumpertown, Wheeler and Baldwyn and won six State Championships from 1967-2005; and

WHEREAS, Ashley has won four Boys State Tournament titles with the Falcons; and

WHEREAS, a Delta State University graduate, Ashley has spent 36 of his 38 seasons at tiny Ingomar, a rural Union County town. Coach Ashley does not regret going back to his hometown school; and

WHEREAS, all-time coaching victories in Mississippi boys basketball history are:

RECORD COACH

· 905-412 Norris Ashley

Coahoma County, Ingomar (Active)

· 904-414 Sam Richey

Jumpertown, Wheeler, Baldwyn

· 867-326 Roland Ladner

Sellers, Harrison Central,

Hancock, Pearl River Central

· 866-180 Bert Jenkins

Gulfport

· 862-370 Isaiah Peterson

Shelby Broad Street, Coahoma County (Active); and

WHEREAS, the man Ashley overtook tipped his hat to his coaching colleague. "I knew it was coming," said Coach Richey, who claimed the state record with his 868th victory when Baldwyn topped Bruce 68-60 on January 8, 2002. "I enjoyed it while I had it. He can enjoy it for a while now, I guess." On several occasions, Ashley and Richey went head-to-head in memorable Ingomar-Wheeler matchups; and

WHEREAS, "I've always had a real high regard for him," Coach Richey said. "He's one of the best coaches in the state, if not the best. He just knows the game, and he takes advantage of the strengths of his team. His players are real disciplined, and you can tell they're always well-coached"; and

WHEREAS, Coach Ashley has no timetable on when he'll walk away from the basketball court. Does he dare to dream of 1,000 wins? Ashley said, "I'll just take it year by year"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this legendary coach who has added to his legend with this 905th win and 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 Ingomar High School Coach Norris Ashley for achieving the record of all-time coaching victories in Mississippi boys basketball history, and extend to him, his family and his school our best wishes for future successes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Norris Ashley and be made available to the Principal of Ingomar High School and the Capitol Press Corps.