2013 -- S 0996

=======

LC02756

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

____________

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING ROBERT THOMPSON ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE 2013

RHODE ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE HALL OF FAME

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, Pichardo, Ruggerio, Jabour, and Goodwin

     Date Introduced: June 13, 2013

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

1-1

     WHEREAS, Robert "Bobby" Thompson is one of eleven former athletes who have

1-2

earned the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Hall

1-3

of Fame in the Class of 2013; and

1-4

     WHEREAS, Hall of Famers can be former high school athletes, coaches, administrators,

1-5

or sportscasters who have distinguished themselves in city, state, and national athletic programs;

1-6

and

1-7

     WHEREAS, Bobby Thompson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina.  He later moved to

1-8

Providence and attended Central High School, where he began an amazing athletic career that

1-9

would bring him titles and accolades in football and indoor and outdoor track; and

1-10

     WHEREAS, As a member of Central's Knights Track Team, Mr. Thompson won the

1-11

state long jump title in 1964 and added state crowns in the 50, 100, and 220 yard dashes, and as

1-12

the running back on the Central High football team, he earned Providence Journal All-State

1-13

honors five times; and

1-14

      WHEREAS, While attending Arizona Western Junior College, Mr. Thompson was

1-15

named an All-Conference Defensive Back and an All-American Running Back, and after

1-16

transferring to the University of Oklahoma, he helped lead his team to the Big 8 Conference

1-17

Football Championship; and

1-18

     WHEREAS, After college, Mr. Thompson played professional football in Canada where

1-19

he still holds the record for the longest kickoff return in Saskatchewan history.  He later played

1-20

for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL) until retiring from professional sports

2-1

to become a special education science teacher and a football and track coach in Pontiac,

2-2

Michigan; and 

2-3

     WHEREAS, As Bear Bryant, an American college football player and coach once said,

2-4

"If you believe in yourself, have dedication and pride and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price

2-5

of victory is high, but so are the rewards."  Bobby Thompson has earned his place in the Hall of

2-6

Fame.  He is a wonderful role model and we are proud to celebrate his achievements; now,

2-7

therefore be it

2-8

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

2-9

hereby applauds Robert Thompson for his myriad accomplishments and congratulates him on

2-10

being inducted into the 2013 Rhode Island Interscholastic League Hall of Fame.  We moreover

2-11

wish him good heath, continued success, and much happiness; and be it further

2-12

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

2-13

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Robert Thompson.

=======

LC02756

=======