Bill Text: MS SC583 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commend Northwest Mississippi Community College Football Coach Jack Wright as NJCAA "Coach of the Year."
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-08 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC583 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC583-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Blackwell
Senate Concurrent Resolution 583
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEAD COACH JACK WRIGHT FOR BEING NAMED NJCAA FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION "COACH OF THE YEAR" FOR 2015.
WHEREAS, Northwest Mississippi Community College "Rangers" Head Football Coach Jack Wright was recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Football Coaches Association with the 2015 Spalding® NJCAA Football Coach of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, in just his second season as a Head Coach, Wright directed the Rangers to their program's first National Championship since 1992. Northwest Mississippi defeated a school-record six ranked opponents en route to an 11-1 record. The Rangers battled through a rugged schedule in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) and came away with their first Conference Title since 1999; and
WHEREAS, fueling Northwest Mississippi's run to the title was a potent offensive attack under Wright's guidance. The Rangers averaged 38.7 points per game in 2015, ranking among the top ten in the nation with 480.8 yards per game. In the passing game, Wright's offense averaged 209.7 yards passing per game with 30 touchdown passes on the year, cracking the top 10 in both statistical categories. Taking over a team that finished 1-8 the year prior to his arrival, Wright orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the history of NJCAA football; and
WHEREAS, during his debut season in 2014, the Rangers already began to show signs of improvement with a 4-6 record and an appearance in the MACJC playoffs. One year later, they were lifting the National Championship Trophy; and
WHEREAS, despite his young tenure at Northwest Mississippi, Wright is no stranger to the program having served as the Rangers' Offensive Coordinator from 2008-2012; and
WHEREAS, the Batesville native spent one season as Offensive Line Coach at Holmes in 2013 before returning to Senatobia as the Rangers' Head Coach; and
WHEREAS, prior to joining the NJCAA ranks, Wright was an Offensive Line Coach at NCAA Division III Millsaps College from 2005-2007. Launching his coaching career in 2001 at the high school level, Wright spent one year at North Delta School before landing a job as Offensive Line Coach at Meridian High School where he stayed until 2004. Earning his Bachelor's degree in 1999 and his Master's in 2001 from Arkansas State University, Wright was a four-year starter for the Red Wolves at center and deep snapper; and
WHEREAS, "This is a tremendous honor," Wright said. "But it's an honor for our team because football is the ultimate team sport. Anytime you receive an individual honor like this, it really is more of a reflection of the coaching staff and the players and the collective effort and results that we had this year as a group"; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join his peers in recognizing a Mississippi football coach who has brought honor to his college, his community and to the State of Mississippi: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Northwest Mississippi Community College Football Head Coach Jack Wright for being named NJCAA Football Coaches Association "Coach of the Year" for 2015, and extend our best wishes on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Wright, forwarded to NMCC President Dr. Gary Lee Spears and the NMCC Board of Trustees and the State Community College Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps
