HJR 343

HJR343 192627-3 By Representative Beech RFD: Rules First Read: 06-MAR-18 HJR343 ENROLLED, House Joint Resolution, RECOGNIZING COACH SIDNEY B. ATKINS UPON HIS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A COACH AND AN EDUCATOR. WHEREAS, Sidney B. (Sid) Atkins, the dear friend and former coach of our esteemed colleague, Representative Elaine Beech, was born in Columbus, Mississippi; he attended S. D. Lee High School where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track; in football he played fullback and safety and served as the team kicker and punter; in basketball, he played forward; in baseball, he was the catcher and one of the top batters on their state championship teams; in track he was a dash runner; and WHEREAS, upon graduation from high school, Sid attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a football scholarship, where he was quarterback and punter; he later transferred to Livingston University (now UWA) where he received his bachelor's degree in physical education and history; he received his master's degree from the University of North Alabama in educational administration in 1975; and WHEREAS, Sid began his coaching career with his brother, Roland, in Greenville, Alabama, in 1968; he moved to Gurley, Alabama, where he became head coach and athletic director at Madison County High School; he also held head HJR343 coaching/athletic director positions at Millry High School in Millry, Alabama, and Phillips High School in Bear Creek, Alabama; and WHEREAS, in 1978, Sid and his family moved to Marengo County where he became principal at Marengo County High School in Thomaston; in 1980, he became principal at Sweet Water High School; this was the year the community rallied to save the school from closing; he remained principal at Sweet Water High School until 1993 when he retired with 25 years of service in public education; and WHEREAS, following his retirement from public education, Sid accepted the job as headmaster and coach at Demopolis Academy, a position he held for ten years; while at Demopolis Academy, he coached football and baseball; his football teams made the playoffs in their division three times and his baseball teams won three state championships in 1995, 1997, and 1998, and compiled an impressive 63-18 record during those years; Sid was recognized by the Tuscaloosa News as Coach of the Year in baseball; and WHEREAS, after retiring from Demopolis Academy, he was contacted by Patrician Academy to teach history and coach football and softball; his football teams made several playoff appearances; he taught at Patrician Academy for ten years before retiring "for good"; and HJR343 WHEREAS, Sid and his wife, Brenda, a retired English teacher, have three children; their son, Ken, is the county civil engineer for Marengo County; daughter, Sandy, is the deputy athletic director for Troy University and a member of both Troy University Sports Hall of Fame and the Marengo County Sports Hall of Fame; son, Mike, is the athletic director and head football coach at Houston County High School in Columbia, Alabama; they have six grandchildren, Mason, Sidney Alyn, Hayes, Evan, Gracie, and Sophia; they are enjoying traveling and watching the grandchildren participate in sports and other activities; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we recognize and commend Sidney B. (Sid) Atkins upon his many accomplishments as a coach and an educator and we wish him continued success in all future endeavors. HJR343 Speaker of the House of Representatives President and Presiding Officer of the Senate House of Representatives I hereby certify that the within Act originated in and was adopted by the House 13-MAR-18. Jeff Woodard Clerk Senate 15-MAR-18 Adopted