House Resolution 25

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SOUTHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH ED RICH UPON BEING NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE DESOTO COUNTY TOUCHDOWN CLUB'S COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD.

WHEREAS, Southaven High School Head Football Coach, Ed Rich, who led his team to the Class 6A North State semifinals during the 2014 season of play, was recently named the recipient of the DeSoto County Touchdown Club's Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the annual honor which was presented during the club's first meeting to Coach Rich, who coached the Chargers to a 10-3 overall record and a berth in the Class 6A North State semifinals, acknowledges his apparent talent for gridiron leadership and his coaching prowess that led to the Chargers being the only DeSoto County team to qualify for post-season action during the season, finishing their regular season second in its 6A district, behind eventual state champion South Panola; and

WHEREAS, one to deflect the praise and admiration from himself, Rich, who has amassed an eight-year record of 58-39 while leading the Chargers' helm, is quick to credit a special group of players and "brother" coaches for being integral components of the team's success, both on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, accustomed to demonstrating the true grit akin to knowing the value of successful coaching and winning championships, this football coaching veteran has also won three state baseball championship pennants, and carries forward the same impassioned zeal for sportsmanship and appreciation of athleticism to produce a program that builds upon the strengths of each player; and

WHEREAS, Coach Rich continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays, and solidified by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the achievements of proven leaders, as Coach Rich, whose fortitude, perseverance and encouragement of his team of student athletes who have brought great honor to himself, the Chargers Team and the Southaven community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Southaven High School Head Football Coach Ed Rich upon being named recipient of the Desoto County Touchdown Club's Coach of the Year Award, and extend to him best wishes for future athletic success.

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