78R9203 JHS-D

By:  Brown of Kaufman                                             H.R. No. 510



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, In 1994, the Terrell Independent School District 
Board of Trustees sought an individual of outstanding capabilities 
and high ethical standards to become the athletic director and head 
football coach of Terrell High School; and
	WHEREAS, Tom Ed Gooden, a Christian man of great character, 
moral integrity, and unwavering commitment to leading young 
student-athletes to success both on and off the playing field, 
readily accepted this challenge; and
	WHEREAS, For the next nine years, Coach Gooden led his 
"fighting Terrell Tigers" to an impressive 70-34 record, reaching 
the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons; during his tenure, eight 
Terrell High School football players embarked on athletic and 
academic careers at Division I colleges, while seven players joined 
Division II college football programs; and
	WHEREAS, Coach Gooden returned pride and community 
enthusiasm to the athletic program at Terrell High School and 
always placed the emphasis on education over athletics for his 
young charges; this remarkable gentleman has become a father figure 
to many of his students, whose lives will be forever changed by 
Coach Gooden's positive example and commitment to excellence; and
	WHEREAS, Tom Ed Gooden's legacy of success will long be 
remembered by the citizens of Terrell, and though he will be missed 
by students, parents, and colleagues alike, it is a pleasure to wish 
him well in his new role as athletic director of Pasadena Memorial 
High School and to extend best wishes to his loving wife, Denise, 
and his son, Lance, for continued happiness in their new home; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize the many accomplishments of Tom Ed 
Gooden and commend him for his outstanding contributions to the 
community of Terrell; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Tom Ed Gooden as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.