[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 34 (Thursday, March 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E346-E347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO COACH DAVEY WHITNEY AND THE ALCORN STATE BRAVES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 1999

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, it gives me extreme 
pleasure to stand before you and recognize the accomplishments and 
success of one of Mississippi's finest basketball coaches, Coach Davey 
Whitney, men's head basketball coach at Alcorn State University. Coach 
Whitney was the first coach to lead a team from a historically black 
college or university (HBCU) to victory in the NCAA and NIT 
tournaments.
  Alcorn State University, located in Lorman, Mississippi, was once 
known as a basketball powerhouse under the guidance of Coach Whitney. 
During his first stint as head coach, the Braves enjoyed 17 straight 
winning seasons, nine Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles, 
three National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament 
appearances and two National Invitational Tournament (NIT) appearances. 
Then Coach Whitney retired.
  Three years ago he was called upon to return and revive the winning 
program. Through hard work by Coach Whitney and his staff, along with 
the dedication of this young talented ball club, the Braves are 
currently enjoying their best season since 1986, the last time

[[Page E347]]

Alcorn won the SWAC title. Therefore, it is only fitting that in 1999, 
while Coach Whitney is on the brink of accomplishing that same goal 
with the very same program, that I take time out to recognize him.
  At the age of 69, Coach Whitney's goal this time around is to get the 
basketball program back on its feet and train someone to replace him. 
Although some may view this as a wise decision, I know that there are 
many Braves fans out there who are lobbying for him to stay for as long 
as he wants.
  Mr. Speaker, Coach Whitney exemplifies college basketball in every 
way. His track record shows that he has what it takes to be successful 
and stay successful in college basketball. Keep up the good work Coach 
and the best of luck to you and your ball club as you continue on your 
quest for greatness.

                          ____________________