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2011 SPECIAL SESSION I
WHEREAS, Charles O. Christian of Suffolk, the legendary basketball coach who led the Norfolk State College men’s basketball team to seven Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) titles, died on April 4, 2011; and
WHEREAS, a native of Richmond, Charles Christian graduated from Armstrong High School and received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Virginia State College; and
WHEREAS, an accomplished athlete, Charles Christian played basketball in high school and started on Virginia State College’s 1947 CIAA tournament championship team, which provided valuable experience; and
WHEREAS, an excellent role model and mentor, Charles Christian coached high school basketball in Suffolk before becoming part of the Norfolk State College family as a guidance counselor and men’s basketball coach; and
WHEREAS, an inspiring leader, Charles Christian served as the Norfolk State College (now University) men’s basketball coach from 1973 to 1978 and again from 1981 to 1990, compiling an impressive record of 319 - 95, the most wins of any coach in Norfolk State University men’s basketball history; and
WHEREAS, Charles Christian coached the Spartans to 11 seasons of at least 20 victories, seven CIAA titles, three Division II regional titles, and three appearances in the Division II national quarterfinals; and
WHEREAS, a highly respected figure throughout the CIAA, Charles Christian was selected as the Coach of the Year four times and Tournament coach seven times; he was also chosen South Atlantic District Coach of the Year twice; and
WHEREAS; for his extraordinary accomplishments, Charles Christian was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame, the Virginia State University Hall of Fame, the Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation Sports Hall of Fame, and the Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, in 2011 Charles Christian was named by ESPN as one of 12 CIAA basketball coaching legends for his remarkably successful career; and
WHEREAS, a respected figure in the community, Charles Christian generously gave of his time and talents to numerous organizations, including the Alpha Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Suffolk Boosters Club, Inc.; Southern Poverty Law Center; and Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee; and
WHEREAS, Charles Christian was also affiliated with the Boy Scout Advisory Board; Salvation Army Advisory Board; Suffolk Civic Forum; Children's Hospital of the King’s Daughters; Board of Directors for Louise Obici Memorial Hospital; Board of Morgan Memorial Library; Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, Suffolk; and the Suffolk Public School and Paul D. Camp Community College Boards; and
WHEREAS, a man of great faith, Charles Christian was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and member of the Brotherhood Ministry and Finance Committee in addition to participating in worship, fellowship, and study; and
WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Charles Christian will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his loving wife, Elizabeth; children, Charlene and Annette; numerous other family members and friends; and his former players; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a beloved coaching legend, Charles O. Christian; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Charles O. Christian as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.