<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE RESOLUTION 59
By Walley
SR0059
005891
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A RESOLUTION to honor Coach James Burkley on his 700
th
career victory.
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this legislative body should pay tribute to an
excellent coach who has attained a career milestone while leading his teams to unprecedented
success in athletic competition; and
WHEREAS, Coach James Burkley of Middleton High School notched his 700
th
career
victory on February 7, 2025, with a win over Bradford on home court; and
WHEREAS, a seasoned veteran of the hardwood, Coach Burkley began his successful
tenure at Middleton in 2002 as the head coach of the Lady Tigers hoopsters, but he also
assumed the reins of leadership with the boys' basketball team in 2009 and now coaches both
squads; and
WHEREAS, Coach Burkley has expertly led his teams to six state tournament berths,
three appearances in the state championship game, and a state championship; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers brought home the Gold Ball trophy after winning the state
championship in 2015, and they advanced to the final four in 2010 and 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Tigers clawed their way into the state championship game in 2011,
finishing as runner-up; and
WHEREAS, Coach Burkley was deservedly named the Basketball Coach Association of
Tennessee's Coach of the Year for Class A boys' basketball, after leading the Tigers to a 30-2
record and the final game of the state tournament in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Coach Burkley modestly credits his success to his players, his coaching
staff, the school's administration, his family, and most importantly, the grace of God; and
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WHEREAS, James Burkley has distinguished himself as a great basketball coach,
tactician, and motivator of young men and women, and he should be appropriately recognized
on this special occasion; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that we honor James Burkley of
Middleton High School on his 700
th
career victory as a basketball coach and extend to him our
best wishes for much continued success on the court and in life.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy.