House Concurrent Resolution 79

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED AND DEDICATED CAREER AND SERVICE OF COACH LAFAYETTE STRIBLING AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON BEING INDUCTED INTO THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2018.

WHEREAS, Lafayette Stribling, the stylishly dressed former men's basketball coach for Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) until his retirement May 23, 2005, after 23 years of Delta Devils success, and having spent an additional seven years as the colorfully attired sideline executive of the Tougaloo College Bulldogs until making the decision to officially retire his playbook and whistle on October 31, 2012, was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018 on July 28, 2018; and

WHEREAS, born June 1, 1934, in Carthage, Leake County, Mississippi, Coach Stribling, at 84 years of age, was once again placed in immortal annals of Mississippi history, with this most prestigious recognition of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame induction; and

WHEREAS, a Harmony Vocational High School alum, "Strib," as he came to be known by his friends, a winner at both the high school and collegiate levels, devoted a total of 55 years to coaching hardwood action after commencing his career at South Leake High School in 1957, and transferred to Grenada High School for the 1982-1983 season before assuming the reigns at Mississippi Valley State University in 1983, and initiating the conclusion of his reign as one of the best basketball minds Mississippi has ever produced at Tougaloo College in 2005; and

WHEREAS, "Strib's" 26 years as a high school coach produced a phenomenal record of 741-171, two girls' and one boys' state championships; in 22 seasons at MVSU, Stribling's 315-307 record culminated in leading the Delta Devils to four Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) regular-season championships, three SWAC Tournament championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances; and reached a climactic apex with a 136-56 record at Tougaloo before he sidelined his coaching career to the retirement bench with 4 GCAC regular-season titles, a GCAC Tournament title and five NAIA Tournament appearances; and

WHEREAS, known for his up-tempo approach to basketball, and equally as much for the wide array of tailored suits, Coach Stribling secured his place in Mississippi sports history by establishing himself as an institution on the hardwood, as noted by his induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018, his being honored as 1992 SWAC Coach of the Year, his 1989 induction into the Mississippi Coaches Hall of Fame, his 2006 induction into the SWAC Hall of Fame and his 2010 induction into the MVSU Athletic Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, an alumnus of Mississippi Industrial College and Mississippi State University, with additional certification received at MVSU, "Strib" has been lauded for his athletic and coaching success, Coach Stribling was inducted into the Mississippi Industrial College Hall of Fame in 1976, presented the Leake County Association of Educators Award in the field of sports in 1980, the NAACP Outstanding Achievement Awards in Sports for Leake County in 1980, became the first African American to become head boys basketball coach for Mississippi High School North All-Star Team and past member of the District IV and Mississippi High School Activities Association Executive Committee; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the outstanding career of Coach Lafayette Stribling, whose passion for coaching has made him legendary among his colleagues and high school and collegiate sports programs throughout the state and nation:

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 the distinguished and dedicated career of Coach Lafayette Stribling, congratulate him upon being inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018 and express heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

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