Senate Resolution 129

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COACH BILL WARD UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC COACHES ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME.

WHEREAS, we join the Mississippi Association of Coaches in congratulating Coach Bill Ward upon his selection for induction into the prestigious National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Coach Bill Ward is a long-time Mississippi Association of Coaches member who has made substantial contributions to athletics in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Bill Ward, a native of Ackerman and a former Kosciusko Whippets coach, spent more than 30 years coaching football, girls basketball, and track across the state. A French Camp alumnus, he began his tenure in Kosciusko in 1981, serving three years as head coach for track and girls basketball while also working as an assistant football coach for the Whippets.

After leaving Kosciusko, Ward moved to Pelahatchie, where he built a long and successful career spanning 33 years. His accomplishments in Pelahatchie include leading his football team to a state championship in 2001. Ward's contributions to athletics extended beyond the field. He was inducted into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame in 2021 and served on the MAC Board of Directors from 2000 to 2013. He later held leadership roles as Vice President from 2013 to 2014 and President from 2014 to 2015; and

WHEREAS, Ward is one of two longtime MAC members selected this year for national induction, joining fellow Mississippi Coach Anthony Jenkins. The honor places Ward among an elite group of coaches from across the country who have made lasting contributions to high school athletics; and

WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the NHSACA to provide instruction and training to high schools in order to develop and improve the capabilities of coaches, and to recognize coaches' outstanding careers and contributions to high school sports; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a respected Mississippi high school coach whose national recognition has brought honor to his former teams, his community, his family and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Coach Bill Ward upon his induction into the prestigious National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to Coach Ward and his family for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Bill Ward, forwarded to the Mississippi Association of Coaches and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.