HR0484 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0484 LRB099 12351 MST 35485 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate John Szabo on the occasion of his retirement as Athletic Director at Bloomington High School (BHS); and

WHEREAS, John Szabo is retiring from his position as Athletic Director at Bloomington High School in Bloomington School District 87 after 22 years; he taught Physical Education for 11 years and also served as Head Coach for Boys' Track & Field and Boys' & Girls' Cross Country; he spent a total of 33 years at BHS; and

WHEREAS, John Szabo led BHS's Boys' Track & Field team to 10 indoor and 8 outdoor conference championships, 5 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Sectional Championships, and one 3rd place finish in the 2013 IHSA State Track Meet, giving BHS its first State trophy; and

WHEREAS, John Szabo led BHS's Boys' & Girls' Cross Country team to 11 conference championships, 16 IHSA Regional Championships, and one IHSA Sectional Championship, with, over the years, 13 boys' teams and one girls' team, qualifying for IHSA State Cross Country Meets; and

WHEREAS, John Szabo was honored as Class AA Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year in 2001 and 2003; he was inducted into the Illinois Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2005, was selected National Federation of State High School Associations Track & Field Coach of the Year in 2006, and was honored as Illinois Athletic Directors Association Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2010; and

WHEREAS, John Szabo has unselfishly given his time before, during, and after school hours to support the Raiders in their endeavors; he demonstrates his belief that every athlete in every sport is important; he was an outstanding mentor to youth, including 47 All-State Track & Field athletes and 13 All-State Cross Country runners; and

WHEREAS, John Szabo was instrumental in upgrading and improving athletic facilities at BHS, benefiting all students in District 87; and

WHEREAS, John Szabo has served as an active member of many local boards and service clubs; and

WHEREAS, John Szabo has a wonderful family; he has been married to Judy for more than 30 years, and they have 2 adult children, Ashley and Andy, who both are graduates from BHS and from college; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate John Szabo on his retirement as Athletic Director at Bloomington High School; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to John Szabo as an expression of our esteem and respect.