SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 58

(By Senators Tucker, Wells, Kessler (Mr. President), Williams, Plymale, Stollings and Klempa)

Memorializing the life of Michael Thomas Barrett, native West Virginian and gold medalist at the 1968 Olympics.

    Whereas, Michael Thomas Barrett was born in Montgomery, West Virginia, on September 5, 1943; and

    Whereas, Michael Thomas Barrett was raised in Webster Springs and Richwood, West Virginia, and graduated from Richwood High School; and

    Whereas, Michael Thomas Barrett attended college at West Virginia Tech, in Montgomery, West Virginia; and

    Whereas, While attending West Virginia Tech, Michael Thomas Barrett excelled in the sport of basketball, leading the Golden Bears basketball team to the 1963 West Virginia Conference tournament championship and was named Most Valuable Player; and

    Whereas, Michael Thomas Barrett led the Golden Bears basketball team to regular season titles in 1964 and 1965, and was later honored by having his No. 10 jersey retired; and

    Whereas, After his collegiate career, Michael Thomas Barrett entered the United States Navy, and while enlisted, earned the opportunity to participate as a member of the 1968 Men’s Basketball Olympic team and helped the USA team beat Yugoslavia to earn gold medal honors in Mexico City; and

    Whereas, Michael Thomas Barrett joined Jerry West as the only two West Virginians to win a gold medal in Olympic basketball; and

    Whereas, In 1968, Michael Thomas Barrett was named West Virginia’s Amateur Athlete of the Year; and

    Whereas, After the Olympics, Michael Thomas Barrett played professional basketball in the American Basketball Association for three seasons, averaging 13.4 points per game over his professional career; and

    Whereas, Following his basketball career, Michael Thomas Barrett became a successful businessman in Nashville, Tennessee, where he worked for the Wrangler jeans company; and

    Whereas, Although he lived in Tennessee, Michael Thomas Barrett never lost his love for West Virginia, often making trips back to Montgomery and Richwood; and

    Whereas, Sadly, Michael Thomas Barrett passed away on Monday, August 8, 2011, at the age of 67, leaving behind his beloved wife of 44 years, Carolyn, his brother Scott, and a host of friends, all of whom will cherish his memory for many years to come; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate:

    That the Senate hereby memorializes the life of Michael Thomas Barrett, native West Virginian and gold medalist at the 1968 Olympics; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of Michael Thomas Barrett; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Michael Thomas Barrett.