House Concurrent Resolution 55

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COACH PAUL JOHNSON UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSISSIPPI TENNIS HALL OF FAME ON JANUARY 14, 2017.

WHEREAS, Paul Johnson, Head Coach of the Itawamba Community College Men's and Women's Tennis Teams, continued the winning tradition that has come to be synonymous with his name by being inducted into the Mississippi Tennis Hall of Fame on January 14, 2017; and

WHEREAS, hailing from the little town of Nettleton, Mississippi, Mr. Johnson has always been involved with sports, as he lettered in baseball, basketball and football during high school and played college football at Itawamba Junior College; and

WHEREAS, after he hung up his cleats, Mr. Johnson continued his education at Mississippi State University where he earned his bachelor of science degree in physical education and biological science, and upon graduation, he embarked on his coaching career as the assistant football coach and head women's basketball coach at Ackerman High School, where he coached for two years; and

WHEREAS, moving from Ackerman High School to Houston High School for one year, Mr. Johnson finally landed at Itawamba Junior College in 1973, and in 1974, he started the men's and women's tennis programs while also teaching the intricacies of science and coaching the cross-country team; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson eventually retired from teaching, but unable to put down his racket or walk away from the court, he continued coaching tennis for another 11 years, ultimately ending his tenure with 45 years of service to the young men and women of Mississippi, 15 state championships, seven Region 23 championships, nine State Tennis Coach of the Year titles and eight Region 23 Coach of the Year awards; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, he received the Hershel Stephens Coaches' Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication to the NJCAA, and in 2009, he was inducted into both the Itawamba Community College Athletic Hall of Fame and the NJCAA Men's Tennis Hall of Fame, and in 2010, the Mississippi Association of Coaches Athletic Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, when he was not coaching collegiate athletes into championship matches, Mr. Johnson gave private lessons, but most importantly, encouragement and self-esteem, to junior players during the summer months, helping them prepare and participate in the USTA tournament; and

WHEREAS, throughout his successful career, Mr. Johnson has received a shower of loving support from his wife of 49 years, Brenda Johnson, and their two children, Leigh and Mitch, who both actually played tennis under the tutelage of their father at Itawamba Junior College; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the outstanding contributions of leaders like Coach Paul Johnson, who has shaped the lives of countless Mississippians and made immeasurable contributions to Itawamba Junior College, bringing great honor to his school, his community and the entire State of Mississippi:

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 Coach Paul Johnson upon his induction into the Mississippi Tennis Hall of Fame on January 14, 2017, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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