Recognizing the life of Erskine "Erk" Russell and his outstanding contributions to the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, the State of Georgia, and the United States.

Expresses condolences to the family of football coach Erskine "Erk" Russell on his death.

Recognizes the outstanding contributions he made to the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Georgia, and this country.

[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1014 Introduced in House (IH)]








109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1014

  Recognizing the life of Erskine ``Erk'' Russell and his outstanding 
     contributions to the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern 
        University, the State of Georgia, and the United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 19, 2006

 Mr. Barrow submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
              the Committee on Education and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing the life of Erskine ``Erk'' Russell and his outstanding 
     contributions to the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern 
        University, the State of Georgia, and the United States.

Whereas Erskine ``Erk'' Russell was born on July 23, 1926, in Birmingham, 
        Alabama;
Whereas Erk Russell graduated from Auburn University with bachelor's and 
        master's degrees, while earning 10 letters in football, basketball, 
        baseball, and tennis;
Whereas Erk Russell started his football coaching career in 1950 at Henry W. 
        Grady High School in Atlanta, Georgia, winning the Georgia AA State 
        Championship in 1953;
Whereas Erk Russell held assistant coaching jobs at Auburn University and 
        Vanderbilt University, before joining the University of Georgia's 
        football coaching staff in 1964;
Whereas Erk Russell spent 17 years with the Georgia Bulldogs, coming to 
        prominence as coordinator of the ``Junkyard Dawgs'' defense;
Whereas Erk Russell inspired University of Georgia football players to perform 
        at their best, teaching life-long lessons to generations of Bulldogs;
Whereas Erk Russell left the Georgia Bulldogs after the team won the national 
        championship in 1980 to build Georgia Southern University's first 
        football team since 1941;
Whereas Erk Russell led the Georgia Southern University Eagles to Division I-AA 
        championships in 1985, 1986, and 1989, achieving an 83-22-1 record 
        during his eight seasons as head coach;
Whereas Erk Russell was a respected mentor, coach, and friend in the Georgia 
        Southern University community, and was a beloved figure throughout the 
        State of Georgia;
Whereas Erk Russell retired in 1989 after a 15-0 season and his third Division 
        I-AA championship;
Whereas Erk Russell continued to play an active role with Georgia Southern 
        University's football program after his retirement, addressing the team 
        for the last time at practice on September 7, 2006;
Whereas Erk Russell died on September 8, 2006, at the age of 80, and is survived 
        by his wife, Jean, and sons, Rusty and Jay; and
Whereas Erk Russell had a unique ability to relate to players, and was a great 
        influence on thousands of players, students, staff, faculty, and fans 
        nationwide: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) on the occasion of the death of Erskine ``Erk'' 
        Russell, expresses its deepest condolences to his wife, Jean, 
        and to their two sons, Rusty and Jay; and
            (2) recognizes the outstanding contributions Erskine 
        ``Erk'' Russell made throughout his life to the University of 
        Georgia, Georgia Southern University, the State of Georgia, and 
        the United States.
                                 <all>