SR0385 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0385 LRB096 14334 GRL 29142 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Hambric of Chicago, who passed away on August 21, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hambric grew up on the South Side of Chicago; he played basketball at Parker (now Robeson) High School, where he graduated in 1958; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hambric went on to LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was the captain of the basketball team and an honors student; he earned his degree in elementary education from the school in 1964; he later earned dual master's degrees in guidance counseling and urban studies from Northeastern University; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hambric was employed at Herny Horner Homes and coached at a YMCA before taking over the freshman-sophomore teams at Simeon in 1974, presiding over a string of winning squads; after becoming Simeon's varsity coach in 1980, he continued his string of victories until his retirement in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as Simeon's coach, Bob Hambric produced disciplined teams whose controlled offensive schemes broke with the city's tradition of breakneck, playground-style play and fundamentally sound players; and

WHEREAS, During his brilliant 24-year career, Bob Hambric coached Simeon to a phenomenal 551-145 record and produced a State championship team in 1984; he won 20 or more games in 19 of his first 20 seasons; in 1998, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hambric taught his players the importance of assists - on and off the court - through strong values which encouraged global citizenship; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hambric utilized a strict discipline combined with an ear of compassion for his players in order to share an honest assessment of Chicago youth; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hambric is survived by his son, Robert M. Hambric Jr.; his daughter, Robyn Hambric; his brother, Arthur; his 3 nieces; and his long-time companion, Stacy Bonner; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Robert Hambric; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert Hambric as an expression of our sympathy.