Title
Calling for the induction of William "Speedy" Morris, a legendary local basketball coach, into the Naismith Memorial National Basketball Hall of Fame.
Body
WHEREAS, William "Speedy" Morris, born April 26, 1942, has used his decades of coaching success on the basketball court to inspire his fans while also instilling values of leadership, diligence and the importance of academic excellence in the hearts and minds of each of his players; and
WHEREAS, Coach Morris began his career as head basketball coach at St. John's Catholic Youth Organization in 1959. From there, he coached at Roman Catholic High School, William Penn Charter School, and for the La Salle University women and men's basketball teams. He is now about to begin his 12th season as head coach at St. Joseph's Preparatory School; and
WHEREAS, Coach Morris has posted 904 victories in 44 seasons of coaching, all in the Philadelphia area. He spent 27 seasons coaching at Roman Catholic, Penn Charter, and the Prep. He also spent 17 years in the college ranks with the La Salle women's and men's teams; and
WHEREAS, Among his many records, Coach Morris holds the distinction of being the winningest coach in the 93-year history of the Philadelphia Catholic League, the winningest coach in Philadelphia high school boys' history (623-169), the winningest head coach in La Salle University men's basketball history and led the Explorers to a record four NCAA tournament appearances; and
WHEREAS, Despite spending his record-breaking career coaching men's basketball, Coach Morris believes that two of the most important seasons of his career were the two he experienced coaching the women at La Salle, where he was 43-17 from 1984 through 1986. Indeed, he also holds the honor of being a pioneer for gender equality in athletics by becoming the first head basketball coach in NCAA history to coach both women's and men's collegiate teams; and
WHEREAS, Coach William "Speedy" Morris holds records of 347-82...
Click here for full text