WHEREAS, Gary Rice, the highly admired coach of the Alleghany High School baseball team, was inducted into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame on January 29, 2015; and

WHEREAS, a native of Covington, Gary Rice has amassed an impressive 513 - 217 - 5 record over the course of his distinguished 46-year career; he is tied for third place in most wins by a coach in the Virginia High School League; and

WHEREAS, Gary Rice's teams have won 13 district championships, 10 district tournament titles, and three regional titles and made six state tournament appearances, including a trip to the state final in 2008; and

WHEREAS, earning many awards and accolades for his accomplishments, Gary Rice has been named Timesland Coach of the Year and was twice selected to coach the Virginia High School Coaches Association all-star game; and

WHEREAS, Gary Rice has inspired and motivated countless young athletes, including many who have gone on to achieve success at the college level and in professional baseball; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Gary Rice hereby be commended on his induction into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame with the Class of 2015; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gary Rice as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his outstanding career as a coach and best wishes for the future.