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2006 SESSION


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 31
Commending the Virginia Union University men’s basketball team.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2006
 

WHEREAS, established during Reconstruction, Virginia Union University has enjoyed the enviable reputation as a bulwark for higher education, academic and civic leadership, and athletic prowess; and

WHEREAS, always in the pursuit of excellence, the University, since joining the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) as a charter member, has been at the forefront of athletic achievement; and

WHEREAS, many of the University's coaches have become legends in their own time, including Henry Hucles, Thomas “Tricky Tom” Harris, Dave Robbins, and Willard Bailey; and

WHEREAS, some of its alumni athletes have achieved distinguished careers in the professional leagues or in coaching, such as National Basketball Association stars Charles Oakley, Terry Davis, and Ben Wallace, defensive player of the year for 2002; and

WHEREAS, with this legacy of excellence and experience with success due to an outstanding athletic program, the Virginia Union University men’s basketball team (the Panthers) returned to the CIAA championship in March 2006, seeking its third straight championship title under legendary coach Dave Robbins; and

WHEREAS, during the first half of the championship game, the team struggled to defend its title; and through the sheer energy, enthusiasm, and aggressiveness of one of its players who galvanized the Panthers' offense during the second half, the Virginia Union University's men’s basketball team captured its third straight championship, defeating Johnson C. Smith, 67-62, in the 61st CIAA Championship Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers have flourished under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Robbins, the Division II coach with the second highest number of wins; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Coach Robbins, the Panthers hold the record for the highest field goal percentage ever in the CIAA, and during his tenure, he has helped to mold the successful careers of professional ball players, and has had 11 student-athletes named CIAA Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, with immense pride, the General Assembly commends the Panthers and Head Coach Dave Robbins for their remarkable feat and for their perseverance and constant pursuit of excellence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, That the Virginia Union University men’s basketball team hereby be commended on winning its third straight CIAA basketball championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Dave Robbins and the young men who comprise the Panthers team in honor of their outstanding performance and victory.