Senate Concurrent Resolution 676

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING THE SPORTS LEGACY OF COACH AUBREY ROZZELL AND COMMENDING THE CLARKSDALE & COAHOMA COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME ESTABLISHED IN HIS HONOR.

WHEREAS, the Clarksdale & Coahoma County Sports Hall of Fame Foundation was formed to honor the legacy of former Coach and outstanding college and Professional Football Player Aubrey Rozzell and other heroic athletes from Coahoma County who have made invaluable contributions to the World of Sports. The Foundation holds an annual induction ceremony to recognize these outstanding Coahoma Countians; and

WHEREAS, this prestigious Aubrey Rozzell Sports Hall of Fame Award is based on the following criteria:

· Must have lived in Coahoma County;

· Have been an NCAA All-American Athlete;

· Played professional sports;

· Made significant contributions to the World of Sports through broadcasting or sports journalism; and

WHEREAS, Coach Aubrey Dale Rozzell is a native of Rena Lara, Mississippi, and graduated from Friars Point and Holmes Agricultural High School in 1951. He graduated from Delta State University in 1956 where he lettered in baseball and football for four straight years. He concluded his college career as a five-year letterman in baseball and football; and

WHEREAS, Coach Rozzell signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears in 1957. The Bears tried him at several positions and finally moved him to linebacker where he started two preseason games. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and started at left outside linebacker in 1957 for the last eight games as a rookie; and

WHEREAS, in 1958, Coach Rozzell was injured a week before preseason games started. That same year, 1958, he returned to the Chicago Bears. Coach Halas made the decision to send him to the Montreal Allouettes, and informed him he would bring him back to the Chicago Bears. Coach Rozzell played middle linebacker after arriving in Montreal. During the last game, he suffered another injury thus ending his football career. When the American Football League was formed, the Houston Oilers sent him a contract, but he made a decision not to play because of the severity of his injuries; and

WHEREAS, Coach Rozzell retired as a player, but resumed his career as a high school and college football coach. His coaching career includes the following schools: Assistant Football and Head Baseball Coach at Holmes Junior College, and Assistant Football Coach and Head Baseball Coach at Pascagoula High School; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join the citizens of the Mississippi Delta in honoring the legacy of this influential athlete and coach through the recognition of the excellent athletes of today:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and salute the sports legacy of Coach Aubrey Rozzell and commend the Clarksdale & Coahoma County Sports Hall of Fame established in his honor, extending our best wishes at the annual sports induction ceremony held in Coach Rozzell's honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Aubrey Rozzell and the President of the Clarksdale & Coahoma County Sports Hall of Fame Foundation and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.