SR1547 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1547 LRB098 23007 MST 61967 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Wayne McClain of Champaign, who passed away on October 15, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Wayne McClain was born on January 15, 1954 in Peoria; he graduated from Manual High School in Peoria, where he played basketball; he earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Bradley University, where he also played basketball; he later earned his master's degree from Illinois State University; and

WHEREAS, Wayne McClain began his teaching career at Blaine Sumner Middle School and Harrison Elementary School (now Harrison Community Learning Center) in Peoria; he then served as assistant basketball coach at Manual High School for 18 years, before being named head coach in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Wayne McClain coached the Manual High School Rams to 3 of the 4 consecutive State championships the school won between 1994 and 1997; in 1997, he was named National High School Coach of the Year and his squad was named National High School Champions; his teaching career included teaching 6th graders, high school physical education, and serving as interim Manual High School Dean of Students; and

WHEREAS, Wayne McClain joined the University of Illinois men's basketball coaching staff under Bill Self and stayed on through Bruce Weber's tenure; he spent 11 years with Illinois, the last 3 as assistant head coach; he was the longest tenured assistant coach in the Big Ten until he left the school in 2012; he spent one year with Bruce Weber at Kansas State University as Director of Student Development and then joined Central High School in Champaign as head coach, where he guided the Maroons to a regional title and a sectional win; as a result, he was named All-Area Boys' Basketball Coach of the Year; in 2005, he was named Best Dressed Coach; and

WHEREAS, Wayne McClain enjoyed family dinners, BBQs, washing cars, and doing yard work; and

WHEREAS, Wayne McClain was preceded in death by his mother, Rosetta McClain; a brother, Tony McClain; and a sister, Evelyn McClain; and

WHEREAS, Wayne McClain is survived by his wife, Robin; his son, Sergio McClain, Sr.; daughter, Brindeshie (expected granddaughter, Brindisi McClain-Edwards) McClain; grandson, Sergio McClain, Jr.; brothers, Puegot T., Jerry, and Eddie (Dorothy) McClain; sisters, Rosie and Eunice McClain; and countless friends and other family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Wayne McClain, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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