MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Michel, Burton, Butler, Carmichael, Chassaniol, Davis, Dearing, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Kirby, Lee (35th), Montgomery
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING KEN TOLER, SR., RECIPIENT OF THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF MISSISSIPPI TENNIS RANKINGS THAN ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL PLAYER IN HISTORY, UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2010.
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame has unveiled its Class of 2010 which features Ken Toler, Sr., from Jackson, Mississippi, Mississippi College star tennis player who was ranked more than 60 times, the highest number of Mississippi tennis rankings than any other individual player in Mississippi history (tennis rankings began in 1966); and
WHEREAS, Ken Toler has been ranked No. 1 every year in either singles, doubles, or both in his age division of Mississippi Tennis Association sanctioned adult tournaments since 1967; and
WHEREAS, Ken frequently teamed up with Mississippi Hall of Fame member Carolyn Henry in regional and national mixed doubles competition. A knee injury to Toler's usual partner, his wife Sandra, teamed up the pair and the Toler/Henry duo brought home the 65 mixed doubles Gold Medal at the National Senior Olympics in 2001 against teams from Delaware, Alabama, Nebraska and Maine; and
WHEREAS, Toler served as Captain on the Mississippi Senior Cup Team, 65 and older category, that won three titles in a regional that covers eight other states including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Ken's athletic achievements include the following:
· Won Southern Tennis Association 70 Doubles Division at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, November 2005; 12th Doubles Championship in Southern Section;
· Played for Southern Section in National Intersectional Tournament in age 65 Division against 10 other sections in the U.S., November 2005; 5th time to play on intersectional team;
· Reached quarterfinals of 70 Doubles Division in National 70's Clay Court Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina;
· Won Gold Medal in National Senior Olympics 65 Mixed Doubles with Sandra Toler in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 2005;
· Captain and participant of men's 65 and older Senior Cup Team that won Division for the third time in four years, June 2005;
· Ranked 8th in USA in 65 Doubles with Albert Lyle, 2004;
· Won Gold Medal in National Senior Olympics 65 Mixed Doubles with Carolyn Henry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 2001;
· Helped Mississippi win Southern Senior Cup, June 2000 and 2001;
· Inducted into the Mississippi College Athletic Hall of Fame, 1998;
· Won Gold Medal in National Senior Olympics 55 Mixed Doubles with Sandra Toler in Tucson, Arizona, June 1997;
· Inducted into the Mississippi Tennis Hall of Fame, October 1996;
· Won Gold Medal in National Senior Olympics 55 Mixed Doubles with Sandra Toler in San Antonio, Texas, June 1995;
· Named Male Player of the Year by Mississippi Tennis Association, 1993;
· Won Silver Medal in National Senior Olympics 55 Men's Doubles in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 1993;
· Named Male Player of the Year by Mississippi Tennis Association, 1988;
· Mississippi College Choctaws, 1954-1956; played football and tennis and participated in track; named Most Athletic, 1956; Co-Captain of football team, 1955 and 1956;
· Ole Miss Rebels, 1952-1954; transferred to Mississippi College in January 1954;
· Inverness High School, Inverness, Mississippi, 1949-1952; lettered in football, baseball, basketball, track and tennis; and
WHEREAS, Ken's community and civic involvement is a matter of record:
· Past President of Mississippi Tennis Association and Chairman of Adult Tennis at River Hills Club, Jackson, Mississippi;
· Served as umpire, linesman and monitor at various tournaments;
· Served as Deacon at Northminster Baptist Church and Deacon Chairman (1991) from 1990-1993;
· Served on Board of Directors at Jackson Preparatory School, 1974-1983;
· President of Mississippi Securities Dealers, 1975;
· President of Mississippi College Alumni Association, 1970;
· President of Mississippi Tennis Association, 1969-1970;
· President of Downtown YMCA, 1965; and
WHEREAS, Ken's son, Ken Toler, Jr., was an outstanding All-SEC split end for the Ole Miss Rebels from 1978-1980, and his grandson, Pack Toler, is an outstanding quarterback for the Jackson Prep Patriots; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding athlete and civic leader who has brought honor to his sport, 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 Ken Toler, Sr., from Jackson, Mississippi, recipient of the highest number of tennis rankings than any other Mississippian, upon his induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2010, and wish him and his family continued success in all their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Ken Toler, Sr., at induction ceremonies, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.