Bill Text: VA SJR177 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Alvin D. Parker.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-07 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ177ER) [SJR177 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR177-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, in 2023, Alvin D. Parker, head coach of the Virginia Union University football team, earned his second consecutive Coach of the Year award after leading the team to its first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship victory in 20 years; and
WHEREAS, a proud alumnus of Virginia Union University (VUU), Alvin Parker was a standout member of the football team, who was selected as most valuable offensive player in 1996 and 1998 and holds the record for the longest touchdown reception in Gold Bowl history; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Parker subsequently pursued a master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a doctorate from the former Northcentral University; he previously served as an assistant football coach at VUU and a head football coach at Saint Augustine's University and Elizabeth City State University; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Parker returned to his alma mater as head football coach in 2017 and has led the VUU Panthers to new heights over the course of his seven-year tenure; during that time, his teams have ranked in the top 25 in the nation in turnover margin, total defense, scoring defense, scoring offense, rushing offense, and blocked punts and kicks; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Parker is a trusted mentor to the student-athletes in his care, and he has inspired them to achieve their fullest potential in the classroom and as community leaders, in addition to their success on the football field; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, Alvin Parker led the VUU Panthers to a 9–1 record and a trip to the playoffs, for which he was named Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Coach of the Year; the team finished the season ranked 16th in the country, its highest-ever national ranking in modern history; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, Alvin Parker followed up by leading the VUU Panthers to a 10–2 record, their first CIAA conference title since 2001, and a trip to the National Collegiate Athletics Association Division II Playoffs; and
WHEREAS, under Alvin Parker's leadership, the 2023 VUU Panthers achieved multiple school, conference, and national records and ranked in the top 15 of 15 different statistical categories nationwide; the team also earned recognition for having the highest team grade point average in the conference; and
WHEREAS, Alvin Parker has also served the VUU community as associate director of athletics since 2021, and he is a leader in college athletics locally and nationally as a member of the American Football Coaches Association Board of Trustees, president of the CIAA Coaches Association, and founding president of the Home Team Foundation; and
WHEREAS, a resident of Richmond, Alvin Parker enjoys the love and support of his wife, LaToya, and their children, Alan and Lani; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Alvin D. Parker for leading the Virginia Union University football team to a conference title and being selected as Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Alvin D. Parker as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his achievements as a college football coach and outstanding contributions to the Virginia Union University community.
