TITLE: Congratulating Montwood High School basketball coach Tony Harper on attaining his 900th career victory.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Montwood High School basketball coach Tony Harper on attaining his 900th career victory.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Tony Harper, the head basketball coach of Montwood High School in El Paso, achieved a notable milestone when he recorded his 900th career victory on January 11, 2013; and WHEREAS, Matching up against local rival Eastwood High School, the Rams employed their usual hard-nosed defense to achieve a 38-28 triumph, enabling their coach to join an exclusive club of Texans who have notched 900 wins; and WHEREAS, Tony Harper was born and raised in El Paso and graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso, where he played for legendary coach Don Haskins; he began his career as the junior varsity coach at the city's Burges High School and soon took charge of its varsity squad; he then served as head coach at El Paso High School for five years before moving to Montwood when the school first opened in 1990; and WHEREAS, Over the course of more than two decades, his Montwood teams have averaged 22 wins a season and rarely missed the playoffs; among active coaches, his victory total ranks first in the state and fourth in the nation, and only six other people in the history of Texas high school basketball have compiled more wins; for his exceptional work, he has received prestigious State Coach of the Year awards from the University Interscholastic League and the National Federation of State High School Associations; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Coach Harper enjoys the support of his wife of 43 years, Andree; Mrs. Harper has videotaped nearly every game her spouse has coached; in typical fashion, she was on hand to record the momentous 900th win and offer a well-deserved hug of congratulations at the final buzzer; and WHEREAS, Renowned for his emphasis on defense, Coach Harper also stresses conditioning and requires hard work and outstanding commitment from his charges; his disciplined approach to the game has positively shaped the lives of hundreds of young athletes, and many of his former players have gone on to thrive in coaching and in a variety of other professional pursuits; and WHEREAS, Winning 900 games is a rare feat and one that reflects great skill and dedication, and Tony Harper is truly deserving of special recognition for this remarkable accomplishment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Montwood High School basketball coach Tony Harper on attaining his 900th career victory 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 Harper as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Pickett Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 166 was adopted by the House on February 4, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House