TITLE: Honoring Joe Lombard, coach of the Canyon High School girls' basketball team, on his exceptional career.

SUMMARY: Honoring Joe Lombard, coach of the Canyon High School girls' basketball team, on his exceptional career.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, In his 33 years of guiding high school basketball teams, Joe Lombard of Canyon High School has distinguished himself as one of the most successful and revered coaches in the State of Texas; and WHEREAS, The latest proof of Coach Lombard's mastery came during the 2010-2011 season, when he led the Canyon Lady Eagles to a 38-0 record and the 4A state championship; it was the 15th title of his career, his 4th undefeated season, and the 20th time that one of his teams played in the state tournament; moreover, the victory in the title game brought his overall record to an astounding 1,100 wins and just 98 losses; and WHEREAS, A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Coach Lombard first came to the Lone Star State to attend Wayland Baptist University, where he was a member of the basketball team; following his graduation, he took a job coaching the girls' team at Nazareth High School, and his gift for guiding young athletes was clear from the outset; during the 1978-1979 season, his first with the Swiftettes, the team claimed the state championship, and they went on to win five more titles in the seven years that Coach Lombard was a member of the faculty; he also took on the assignment of overseeing the Nazareth boys' team, taking them to the state tournament both seasons he served as coach; and WHEREAS, In 1985, this skilled mentor accepted the job at Canyon High; within four years, the Lady Eagles reached the state tournament, and their record over the past two decades has been phenomenal: 11 final four appearances and 9 championships, with 7 of them taking place since 2000; and WHEREAS, Coach Lombard's success encompasses more than winning games and titles, however; a trusted and inspirational leader, he teaches his players the value of commitment and teamwork while instilling in them the confidence they need to reach their goals; in addition, his own actions serve as a positive example of wholehearted dedication and responsibility; he approaches his job with a deep passion for the game of basketball and a desire to help his young charges excel, yet is renowned for his composed demeanor on the bench, having received only one technical foul in his career; and WHEREAS, Highly respected by his peers, Joe Lombard is well known for his willingness to share his knowledge with other coaches; he has earned numerous honors during his career, most recently being named the MaxPreps Girls Basketball Coach of the Year for 2010-2011 and being featured in the April 13, 2011, issue of Sports Illustrated;such recognition is well deserved, and this legendary coach is indeed worthy of legislative congratulations for his outstanding achievements in high school athletics; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby honor Joe Lombard, head coach of the Canyon High School girls' basketball team, on his exceptional career 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 Lombard as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Smithee Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1738 was adopted by the House on May 12, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House