HR 342

HR342 192617-2 By Representative Beech RFD: First Read: 06-MAR-18 192617-2:n:03/06/2018:JEC/jec 2018-1179R1 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 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 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, 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.