SR390 - Recognizing Richard Whitaker on the occasion of his retirement.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 390          WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to   recognize Richard Whitaker, who is retiring as head football   coach and athletic director at Calhoun High School after 20 years   of transformative leadership at the school and 35 years of   coaching; and          WHEREAS, Richard Whitaker developed a love of sports as a   young and multitalented high school athlete under the direction   of coach Buddy Brashear; he accepted a pole vaulting scholarship   from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, where he was   inspired to direct his passion for athletics into a rewarding   career path; and          WHEREAS, Richard was honored to begin his coaching career   at Aldine High School and to work alongside legendary football   coach Bill Smith, who inspired him to adopt the highly effective   strategy known as the veer offense; Richard went on to become   head football coach at Kingsville High School, and during his   third season, he led the team to compete in the playoffs for the   first time in decades; and          WHEREAS, In 2005, Coach Whitaker accepted the role of head   football coach and athletic director of Calhoun High School, and   the following year, he guided the relatively unknown small-town   football team into the playoffs; under his skilled leadership,   Calhoun became known as a powerhouse in high school football, and   from 2018 through 2020, the Sandcrabs dominated competition with   some of the best rushing teams in the nation; and          WHEREAS, Despite Coach Whitaker's numerous trophies and   accolades, his coaching achievements are secondary to his   sincere investment in the well-being of the many young athletes   he has supported both on and off the field; he has served as a   trusted mentor and role model to countless young athletes and has   imparted wisdom and guidance to help foster their success in   every facet of life; and          WHEREAS, Richard Whitaker is an esteemed figure in Texas   high school football and in the coaching profession, and he is a   treasured member of the Calhoun community; he has set lasting   standards for excellence at Calhoun High School, and his presence   and leadership as head coach and athletic director will be   greatly missed; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby commend Richard Whitaker on his exemplary   career and his outstanding tenure at Calhoun High School and   extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for   him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.     Kolkhorst                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on April 10, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate