TITLE: Honoring Michael "Spanky" Stephens for his efforts to heighten awareness of the dangers associated with concussion sustained by student-athletes and for his support of Natasha's Law.

SUMMARY: Honoring Michael "Spanky" Stephens for his efforts to heighten awareness of the dangers associated with concussion sustained by student-athletes and for his support of Natasha's Law.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Michael Stephens was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 2038, requiring Texas schools to establish a protocol for dealing with student-athletes suspected to have sustained a concussion; and WHEREAS, The legislation, which was authored by State Representative Four Price, has been named "Natasha's Law" in honor of Natasha Helmick, whose soccer career ended after she suffered five concussions in four years; involved in the sport since age four, she earned a scholarship to play for Texas State University, but a medical evaluation changed the course of her path; and WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens's efforts in behalf of this bill included testifying before the House Committee on Public Health, discussing its importance with numerous members of the legislature, and attending a press conference at the Capitol shortly after the bill was introduced in the house; and WHEREAS, Executive director of the Texas State Athletic Trainers' Association, "Spanky" Stephens began his work as a trainer while a student at The University of Texas at Austin in 1967 and went on to become head trainer there in 1978; he supervised hundreds of athletes and worked with nine Longhorn national championship teams, and he was also responsible for a strong student program that sent qualified trainers to high schools and colleges; he accepted his current post after retiring from UT in 2000; and WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens has further distinguished himself as a legislative representative for the Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association, as a longtime member of the Texas Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, and as the recipient of many awards and honors, including induction into the All-American Football Foundation Hall of Honor and the SWATA Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Deeply concerned about the health and well-being of student-athletes, Spanky Stephens benefited his fellow citizens with his outstanding advocacy for Natasha's Law, and Representative Price expresses his gratitude for Mr. Stephens's role in achieving this notable legislative victory; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby honor Michael "Spanky" Stephens for his efforts to heighten awareness of the dangers associated with concussion sustained by student-athletes 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 Mr. Stephens as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Price Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2782 was adopted by the House on May 30, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House