SLS 14RS-5187 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 2 Regular Session, 2014 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 170 BY SENATOR JOHNS COMMENDATIONS. Commends Mike Johns upon his legendary 48- year career and many accomplishments as an athletic coach. A RESOLUTION1 To commend Mike Johns, head coach of the St. Louis Catholic High School Saints football2 team of Lake Charles, and to congratulate him upon his retirement after a sterling3 career of forty-eight years in coaching.4 WHEREAS, Coach Mike Johns proved to be a leader of the highest caliber, a catalyst5 who motivated young athletes to work together, to exceed their personal expectations, to6 attempt seemingly unattainable goals, to demonstrate an exceptionally competitive nature,7 and to perform as a team made of many cohesive parts; and8 WHEREAS, Coach Johns began his athletic coaching career in 1966 at LaGrange9 Junior High School after obtaining a bachelor's degree from McNeese State University; he10 also coached at Sam Houston High School, LaGrange High School, and for the last thirteen11 years at St. Louis Catholic High School; and12 WHEREAS, during his tenure as head coach, he garnered twenty playoff13 appearances, ten each at both LaGrange and St. Louis Catholic high schools, with six Class14 5A district championships at LaGrange and four district championships at St. Louis; and15 WHEREAS, Coach Johns garnered numerous awards through his career that include16 ten-time District Coach of the Year, Class 5A Coach of the Year, and as the Southwest17 Louisiana High School Football Coach of the Year in 1994, Big Schools Coach of the Year18 SR NO. 170 SLS 14RS-5187 ORIGINAL Page 2 of 2 in 2010, and as the Coach of the Decade for the 1990's; and1 WHEREAS, Coach Mike Johns developed the skill set of a multitude of young2 athletes and also was a mentor, father figure, and advisor to many young men who struggled3 to find success in the world of high school, collegiate, and professional sports; and4 WHEREAS, Coach Johns possessed the outstanding characteristics of leadership and5 trust that brought out the very best performance in athletes; he encouraged them, both in the6 game and beyond it, to put forth their very best efforts, to be strong and brave in the face of7 formidable opposition, and to work diligently toward achievement of their lifelong goals;8 and9 WHEREAS, Coach Mike Johns concluded his illustrious athletic career on10 November 8, 2013, his last Friday Night Under the Lights, with a home game victory (35-11 13) against Iota; and12 WHEREAS, when next football season begins, Coach Johns will fondly remember13 his many fine days on the gridiron and the elation from that roar of "Go Saints".14 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana15 hereby commends and congratulates Coach Mike Johns for his legendary forty-eight year16 career in Southwest Louisiana athletics and for his many championships and honors upon17 the occasion of his well-earned retirement.18 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to19 Coach Mike Johns.20 The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Jerry J. Guillot. DIGEST Johns SR No. 170 Commends Coach Mike Johns for his legendary 48-year career in Southwest Louisiana athletics and for his many championships and honors upon the occasion of his well-earned retirement.