H.R. No. 696

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Paul Darden of Sundown High School has been selected by the National Federation of High School Coaches Association as the 2008 National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Midland High School, Mr. Darden has served as cross country coach at Sundown High for 17 years; he coaches both the boys' and girls' teams, and the two have combined for a total of six Class 1A state championships since 2005; and

WHEREAS, Coach Darden led both of his teams to the state title in 2008, marking the second time during his tenure that Sundown has swept both the boys' and girls' 1A championships; he was nominated for the coach of the year award by the University Interscholastic League, and his outstanding record of accomplishments on and off the field allowed him to advance through the selection process to ultimately receive the honor from the federation's advisory board; and

WHEREAS, Exceptional coaches inspire athletes to perform at the peak of their abilities, and Paul Darden's commitment to excellence indeed makes him a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Paul Darden on his selection as National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year by the National Federation of High School Coaches Association and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Coach Darden as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Craddick

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 696 was adopted by the House on March 19, 2009, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House