SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 41
WHEREAS, Joe Willis is retiring as head football coach at
Legacy High School in Tyler in 2023, drawing to a close an
exceptional career in education and school athletics that has
spanned three decades; and
WHEREAS, After taking the reins of the Legacy gridiron
program in January 2020, Coach Willis helped the Red Raiders
claim their first playoff victory in more than a decade and to win
two bi-district championships, and the team was a state finalist
for the 2021-2022 National Football Foundation High School
Excellence Award; moreover, several of his players have received
full scholarships to play college football; he has further
benefited Legacy students through his work as campus athletic
coordinator; and
WHEREAS, Coach Willis first joined the head coaching ranks
in 2004 at Iraan High School, and he guided the Braves for three
years before becoming a member of the coaching staff at Cedar
Park High School; rising to the post of head coach in 2012, he led
the Timberwolves to the UIL 4A Division 2 championship during his
first season and to another state title game appearance in 2014;
he next took the head coaching job at Colleyville Heritage High
School, producing playoff berths in each of his five campaigns,
including trips to the regional semifinals and state
quarterfinals; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his 14 years as a head football
coach, Coach Willis compiled an outstanding career record of 113
wins and 62 losses; moreover, his teams went 25-10 in postseason
action, with a combined total of six district titles; among his
accolades, he was honored as the 2012 Dave Campbell's Texas
Football 4A Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Joe Willis has served as an inspiring mentor and
role model to countless young Texans, helping them to excel both
on and off the gridiron, and he may indeed reflect with pride on
his many achievements as he embarks on the next exciting chapter
of his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby congratulate Joe Willis on his retirement as
head football coach at Legacy High School in Tyler and extend to
him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for Coach Willis as an expression of high regard from
the Texas Senate.
Hughes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 18, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate