Georgia-2009-HR1346-Introduced

By: Representatives Smith of the 113th, Keen of the 179th, McKillip of the 115th, Black of the 174th, and Jones of the 46th

Recognizing and commending Coach Suzanne Yoculan and inviting her to be recognized by the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Coach Suzanne Yoculan has long been recognized for her ability to cultivate award-winning athletes and inspire gymnasts to achieve their utmost potential; and

WHEREAS, Coach Yoculan, diligently and conscientiously devoted her time, talent, and energy for 26 years to the University of Georgia's gymnastics program, earning the university ten NCAA Championships and 16 SEC Championships; and

WHEREAS, earning the Gym Dogs 21 NCAA Regional crowns during her tenure, Coach Yoculan's teams placed in the nation's top three in 21 of the last 22 years; and

WHEREAS, she was chosen by fellow coaches as Coach of the Year five times and SEC Coach of the Year eight times and ended her coaching career with an amazing record of 836-117-7; and

WHEREAS, Coach Yoculan produced 37 NCAA individual champions while at Georgia and led 58 Gym Dogs to 306 All-American honors since 1984; and

WHEREAS, from 2005 to 2009, the gymnastics program won an astounding five consecutive NCAA titles; and

WHEREAS, her dedication to making gymnastics a popular sport at the university helped increase average attendance from less than 200 fans in 1983 to an average of nearly 10,000 per meet in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Coach Yoculan fostered growth and support for the program's booster club, the Ten-0 Club, which currently stands as the largest gymnastics booster club in the nation with more than 800 members; and

WHEREAS, active in the Athens community, Coach Yoculan has given selflessly of her time and inspired her players to join her in support of charitable programs with the United Way of Northeast Georgia, Habitat for Humanity, the Athens Regional Medical Center, and the Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, Coach Yoculan has continuously raised the bar throughout her career with the University of Georgia's gymnastics program and her many accomplishments and contributions are worthy of recognition.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Coach Suzanne Yoculan on her impressive career with the University of Georgia, recognize her decades of service to student-athletes and the Athens community, and invite her to be recognized by the House of Representatives at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Coach Suzanne Yoculan.