HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5086 Offered June 19, 2006 Commending William Lee Strong. ---------- Patron-- Carrico ----------

WHEREAS, William Lee "Bill" Strong, successful and widely admired football coach, teacher, and athletic administrator at Grayson County High School since 1978, has announced his intention to retire; and

WHEREAS, a native of Tazewell and a 1970 graduate of Tazewell High School, Bill Strong earned his undergraduate degree from Emory & Henry College in 1974 and his master's degree in sports management from the United States Sports Academy in 1991; and

WHEREAS, following four years of coaching at Tazewell High School, Bill Strong moved to Grayson County High School; during his 28-year career, he compiled a record of 170–118–2 as head football coach and won 13 Mountain Empire District championships; and

WHEREAS, in honor of his exceptional skill and dedication, Bill Strong was honored nine times as Coach of the Year by his fellow coaches, was named Region C Coach of the Year twice, and was recently inducted into the Wall of Fame at Grayson County High School; and

WHEREAS, in honor of his contributions to Grayson County High School and its football program, the school's football field was named Bill Strong Field in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Bill Strong will take over as head football coach at Ashe County High School in West Jefferson, North Carolina, where he will continue his outstanding career with the gratitude and best wishes of the students, faculty, and staff of Grayson County High School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend William Lee Strong on the completion of an exemplary career as teacher, coach, and administrator at Grayson County High School; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William Lee Strong as an expression of the admiration and gratitude of the members of the General Assembly.