87R26801 JRI-D
By: Ellzey H.R. No. 1296
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Paul Willingham, an assistant coach for the Ennis
High School football team, has been named one of the 2021 winners of
the High School Broyles Award; and
WHEREAS, Named in honor of legendary University of Arkansas
head coach Frank Broyles, the Broyles Award was initially
established to honor the top assistant coach in college football,
and in 2018 the award was expanded to give a national spotlight to
the top assistant coaches at the high school level, with a winner
being named in each participating state; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Coach Willie" by his
players, Paul Willingham began coaching at Ennis High School in
1982; he currently serves as defensive coordinator and linebackers
coach in addition to teaching biology; he helped guide the football
powerhouse to state championships in 2000, 2001, 2004, and 2014;
and
WHEREAS, Coach Willingham moved with his family to Ennis in
1973, and he was a member of the Lions football team for five years,
playing primarily as a linebacker; after graduating in 1978, he
attended Tarleton State University, where he earned a bachelor's
degree in agriculture education; in all of his endeavors, he is
supported by his wife of 39 years, Kathy Ballew Willingham, and the
couple's three children; and
WHEREAS, Through his leadership and expertise, Paul
Willingham has inspired generations of students to realize their
full potential, both on and off the field, and he is indeed
deserving of this prestigious honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Paul Willingham on receiving a 2021
High School Broyles Award and extend to him sincere best wishes for
continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Coach Willingham as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.