[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 13 (Monday, January 23, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``W.C.'' GORDEN

                                 ______


                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 1995
  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of William ``W.C.'' Gorden of Jackson, MS. Gorden, a long-
time instructor, coach and athletic administrator at Jackson State 
University, is an outstanding educator, civic leader, and mentor to 
many young people. He has a national reputation for his athletic 
accomplishments and community involvement.
  During his extensive professional career, he has been recognized by 
his peers as one of the top football coaches in the National Collegiate 
Athletic Association [NCAA] Division 1-AA. When he retired from 
coaching in 1991, he ranked third among active NCAA Division 1-AA 
football coaches in winning percentage. During the decade of the 
1980's, he led Jackson State University to eight Southwestern Athletic 
Conference [SWAC] football championships. He has been named ``Coach-of-
the-Year'' by the Clarion Ledger newspaper, the Sheridan Broadcasting 
Network and the National Sports Foundation.
  During his tenure as Head Football Coach, many players have been 
drafted into the national Football League. Another measure of his 
success is the fact that several members of his former coaching staff 
are currently serving as Head Football Coaches at other universities.
  Under his leadership of the Athletic Department, all of Jackson State 
University's sports programs have been strengthened, the football 
program has led the nation in home attendance among NCAA Division 1-AA 
teams, and the university has received several awards from the SWAC 
conference for its outstanding athletic programs.
  Coach Gorden's community involvement is very extensive. He lectures 
at numerous youth clubs and organizations and elementary and secondary 
schools. He has also been active in the local Easter Seal telethon and 
has organized free football clinics for underprivileged youths. He has 
also encouraged JSU athletes to register to vote and become active in 
civic affairs. I salute Coach Gorden for his outstanding 
accomplishments at Jackson State University and in the Jackson 
community.


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