HR1574 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1574 LRB096 24560 KXB 44381 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Fred Rakers, longtime coach of the Mater Dei High School girls volleyball team, on his retirement; and

WHEREAS, The team recently won its sixth State championship; Coach Rakers leaves with a coaching record of 1,046 wins, 200 losses, and 7 ties, the second-most wins in the history of Illinois volleyball according to Illinois High School Association records; and

WHEREAS, Nationally ranked Mater Dei defeated Joliet Catholic in November of 2010 to win the Class 3A State title, finishing the season 41-1; the Knights also won State championships in 1987, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 2001; and

WHEREAS, During the three State championship seasons from 1993-95, the Knights rolled through with a 118-4 record; in 1994, they were a perfect 38-0; 2010 marked the Knights' 20th State tournament appearance, and Coach Rakers just completed his 35th year as head coach; he began coaching in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Coach Rakers said he plans to continue teaching, which he has done at Mater Dei for 42 years; he has also hinted about staying around to help the program in some capacity, perhaps as an assistant coach; and

WHEREAS, Coach Rakers says he learned to coach volleyball by reading a book he found in the Mater Dei school library; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Coach Fred Rakers on his career as a volleyball coach for Mater Dei High School and wish him continued success for years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Fred Rakers as a symbol of our respect and esteem.