Senate Resolution No. 9
(By Senators Jones and Plymale)
Recognizing the outstanding achievements of Marshall University's
Thundering Herd football team during the 1992 season.
Whereas, The Marshall University football team, under the
leadership of head coach Jim Donnan, just completed the most
exciting and successful year in Thundering Herd history; and
Whereas, The Marshall University football team led the
nation in scoring; and
Whereas, During the 1992 season, Marshall University set a
new season attendance record, generating tremendous enthusiasm
and fan support across the Mountain State; and
Whereas, As the result of Marshall University's
state-of-the-art football facility and unparalleled fan support,
the 1992 and 1993 NCAA I-AA National Championship games were
awarded to Marshall University and the city of Huntington, West
Virginia; and
Whereas, The national championship game attracted thousands
of visitors to West Virginia, and the live television broadcast
on CBS showcased our great university and state to the nation;
and
Whereas, The national championship game had an incredible
ending when, with only seconds to go in the game, the score tied,
and Marshall's regular field goal kicker unavailable, it was up
to his brother, Willy Merrick, who had never attempted acollegiate field goal, to win the day; and
Whereas, Marshall University is not only a CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
but a TEAM OF CHAMPIONS, having received over sixty-five
individual honors including the following national awards: Vince
Parker, NSCA All-American Athlete; Troy Brown, Associated Press
All-American, first team, and The Miller Lite Player-of-the-Year;
Mike Bartram, Associated Press All-American, second team; Phil
Ratliff, Walter Camp All-American, first team, Kodak
All-American, first team, and Associated Press All-American,
first team; Michael Payton, Kodak All-American, first team,
Associated Press All-American, first team, Wiggins All-American,
first team and the coveted Walter Payton I-AA Player-of-the-Year;
and last, but certainly not least, Coach Jim Donnan, Chevrolet's
National Coach-of-the-Year; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate of West Virginia herewith recognizes
Marshall University's 1992 football team as the greatest team in
Thundering Herd history; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate commends head coach Jim
Donnan; the other members of the coaching staff, Greg Briner;
Mickey Matthews; Chris Scelfo; Brad Lambert; Mark Gale; Tim
Billings; Tony Petersen; Greg Adkins; George Barlow; Leon Perry
and Scott Reese; Athletic Director Lee Moon; and, of course,
President J. Wade Gilley for their unprecedented accomplishments.
No finer coaching staff and organization has ever led the green
and white on the gridiron; and, be it
Further Resolved, That since this is not only a CHAMPIONSHIP
TEAM but a TEAM OF CHAMPIONS, the Senate of West Virginia herebysuggests that the name "STADIUM OF CHAMPIONS" be among those
considered for Marshall University's new football stadium; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to
forward a copy of this resolution to the President of Marshall
University, J. Wade Gilley; the West Virginia Board of Trustees;
and the coaches and members of the 1992 Marshall University
football team.