SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 41

WHEREAS, Joe Willis is retiring as head football coach at Legacy High School in Tyler in 2023, drawing to a close an exceptional career in education and school athletics that has spanned three decades; and

WHEREAS, After taking the reins of the Legacy gridiron program in January 2020, Coach Willis helped the Red Raiders claim their first playoff victory in more than a decade and to win two bi-district championships, and the team was a state finalist for the 2021-2022 National Football Foundation High School Excellence Award; moreover, several of his players have received full scholarships to play college football; he has further benefited Legacy students through his work as campus athletic coordinator; and

WHEREAS, Coach Willis first joined the head coaching ranks in 2004 at Iraan High School, and he guided the Braves for three years before becoming a member of the coaching staff at Cedar Park High School; rising to the post of head coach in 2012, he led the Timberwolves to the UIL 4A Division 2 championship during his first season and to another state title game appearance in 2014; he next took the head coaching job at Colleyville Heritage High School, producing playoff berths in each of his five campaigns, including trips to the regional semifinals and state quarterfinals; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his 14 years as a head football coach, Coach Willis compiled an outstanding career record of 113 wins and 62 losses; moreover, his teams went 25-10 in postseason action, with a combined total of six district titles; among his accolades, he was honored as the 2012 Dave Campbell's Texas Football 4A Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Joe Willis has served as an inspiring mentor and role model to countless young Texans, helping them to excel both on and off the gridiron, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his many achievements as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby congratulate Joe Willis on his retirement as head football coach at Legacy High School in Tyler and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Coach Willis as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 18, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate