ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 135
BY REPRESENTATIVE CONNICK
A RESOLUTION
To commend Coach Joseph F. Zimmerman for a lifetime of athletic accomplishments.
WHEREAS, a 1957 graduate of Warren Easton High School, Joseph F. Zimmerman
played baseball for two seasons, football for three seasons, was team captain and All-City
halfback in 1956, and was honored twice as Player of the Week by local sports media; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Zimmerman earned a football scholarship to McNeese State
University where he played two seasons and earned a bachelor's degree; and
WHEREAS, while a student at McNeese, he married the love of his life and high
school sweetheart, Peggy Murphy; together they raised three children, Lana Zimmerman
Wiefels, Joseph F. Zimmerman III, and Amy Zimmerman Christman, and they are the proud
grandparents of six grandchildren, Matthew Wiefels, Daniel Wiefels, Ava Zimmerman,
Ryan Zimmerman, Alexander Christman, and Anna Christman; and
WHEREAS, after graduation from McNeese State, Joseph F. "Joe" Zimmerman
began an outstanding career as a high school football coach; he was head coach at
Immaculata, Archbishop Shaw, De La Salle, and Riverdale High schools; and
WHEREAS, Coach Joe Zimmerman built Archbishop Shaw into a district and state
power; he was named District Coach of the Year three times and his Archbishop Shaw teams
won three district championships; and
WHEREAS, Coach Zimmerman built a struggling De La Salle program into one that
averaged five wins a season, and led the Riverdale High School football program to a 5-5
season in his first year; and
WHEREAS, Coach Zimmerman's successful football programs yielded benefits
beyond the team for his staff and student athletes; six of his assistants became head coaches,
student athletes under his leadership received football scholarships, and five of his players
became paid football professionals in the National Football League; and
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WHEREAS, selection to the Hall of Fame of Warren Easton High School is based
on outstanding contributions to the community, excellence of character, and significant
professional accomplishments; selection to this prestigious group of alumni and members
of the Easton family recognizes the inductees' achievements and sets standards for current
students and future graduates; in 2015, Coach Joseph F. Zimmerman was elected to the
Warren Easton High School Hall of Fame, and it is fitting to herald the many
accomplishments of this coach, father, mentor, and friend.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Coach Joseph F. Zimmerman for his many
outstanding athletic accomplishments and election to the Warren Easton High School Hall
of Fame and does hereby offer best hopes and wishes for continued success in every
endeavor of his life.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Coach Joseph F. Zimmerman.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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