[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17138]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA HICKS, SATSUMA EDUCATOR AND HALL OF FAME COACH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with the citizens of Satsuma, 
Alabama in mourning the loss of one of their most distinguished and 
beloved citizens, Patricia Hicks, who passed away December 8, 2012, at 
the age of 71.
  A native of Satsuma, Pat Hicks was a graduate of Satsuma High School 
and William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
  She embarked on a life-long career of coaching in 1975 when she 
helped petition the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners for 
support of girls' sports activities in the city.
  As coach of the Satsuma High School ``Lady Gators'' softball team, 
she led her players to state championships in 1986, 1987 and 1990. She 
also coached the Lady Gators to the 1994 title game. The 1986 
championship team garnered the first state title won by any Satsuma 
High School team, boys or girls, earning a 43-1 record.
  She was also an accomplished volleyball coach, totaling an impressive 
476-175 record. She was named Mobile County softball coach of the year 
nine times and twice as Mobile County's volleyball coach of the year. 
She was also a member of the Mobile Bay Sports Authority.
  In 2001, Pat's lifetime of contributions to sports were recognized on 
the state level when she was inducted into the Alabama High School 
Sports Hall of Fame. On December 2, 2012, Satsuma High School named the 
``Pat Hicks Softball Field'' in her honor.
  In addition to her distinguished teaching and coaching career, Pat 
was active in giving back to her community as a long-time member of the 
Satsuma City Council, serving for twelve years. She also was a member 
of the Satsuma City School Board since June 2011.
  Pat has been described by many of her friends and former players as 
both a legend and an inspiration. She was a role model and advocate for 
our youth and her presence in Satsuma will be sorely missed.
  On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I offer my personal 
condolences to her husband of 49 years, Neal; her son, Chris; mother 
Mary Piece; and many family and friends. You are all in our thoughts 
and prayers.

                          ____________________