2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 6
BY SENATORS MORRIS, CATHEY AND JACKSON
A RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate Coach Jerry Arledge on his extraordinary career and
accomplishments, and for the distinction and honor he has brought to West Monroe
and to Louisiana, on the occasion of his retirement as head coach of the West
Monroe Rebels football team.
WHEREAS, it is with great pride and appreciation that the Senate of the Legislature
of Louisiana recognizes the achievements of Jerry Arledge, one of the most successful and
honored coaches in the history of West Monroe football; and
WHEREAS, Coach Arledge, who has been a mainstay at West Monroe High School
over the last three decades, will retire as head football coach but remain to serve as the
school's athletic director; and
WHEREAS, he grew up in Oil City, Louisiana, graduated from North Caddo High
School, and went on to earn a degree in Health and Physical Education from Louisiana Tech
in 1964; and
WHEREAS, Jerry's love of football from an early age continued at Louisiana Tech
University, where he played both linebacker and offensive guard in the days when players
routinely switched between offense and defense, excelling in both positions; and
WHEREAS, his commitment to the game ultimately led him to the campus of West
Monroe High School in 1992, where he served as the defensive coordinator for the 1993
state championship team and distinguished himself in that position under the late, great Don
Shows for a decade, including eight state championship teams; and
WHEREAS, he was considered one of the top defensive coordinators in Louisiana
as well as the nation; and
WHEREAS, Jerry was named head coach of the Rebels in 2013 upon the passing of
Coach Shows; and
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WHEREAS, he led the Rebels to nine district championships and two state
championship game appearances, in 2016 and 2018, compiling an incredible 104-22-1
record as head coach; and
WHEREAS, during Coach Arledge's tenure, the Rebels only allowed an average of
13.2 points per game and had sixty-six shutouts; and
WHEREAS, his exemplary coaching has produced outstanding players and helped
to cultivate new careers for those players in the ranks of college and professional football;
and
WHEREAS, Coach Arledge orchestrated a number of improvements to the West
Monroe High School facilities, including the current stadium, scoreboard, and the addition
of the practice facility; and
WHEREAS, he was honored by the National Football Foundation and College Hall
of Fame in 2021 for his contributions to amateur football, having worked with unflagging
vitality out of pure love for the game and a desire to help students play it well; and
WHEREAS, Coach Arledge has made an incalculable impact on the success of West
Monroe athletics, and as stated by West Monroe High School principal Shelby Ainsworth,
"Coach Arledge has tirelessly coached decades of athletes, shared his coaching wisdom with
countless coaches, and constructed relentless defenses that are still discussed today. We are
grateful for the time and effort that he has poured into our student athletes and this program.
His successful record is only one measure of his success. The true impact that Coach
Arledge has had in the lives of our student athletes, as well as on the game of football, is
immeasurable"; and
WHEREAS, he has proved himself to be a leader of the highest caliber, a catalyst
who motivates young athletes to work together, to exceed personal expectations, to attempt
seemingly unattainable goals, to demonstrate an exceptional competitive nature and esprit
de corps, and to perform as a team made of many cohesive parts; and
WHEREAS, Coach Arledge shall remain an enduring figure in West Monroe sports,
his community, and his state for many years to come.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and congratulate Jerry Arledge upon his retirement as head coach of
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the West Monroe Rebels football team, and does hereby express to him its enduring
appreciation for his extraordinary leadership, and for the honor and distinction that he has
brought to his team, to West Monroe, and to the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does
hereby wish Coach Arledge every success as athletic director for West Monroe High School,
and in all his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Coach Jerry Arledge.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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