CHAPTER 653
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28
SALUTING BILLY COLE, WILLIAM PENN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, AS HE RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL COACHING AFTER 25 SUCCESSFUL YEARS AT THE NEW CASTLE SCHOOL.
WHEREAS, sports enthusiasts throughout the State of Delaware are truly aware that the end of an era in the annals of Delaware sports history arrived with the announcement by Billy Cole of William Penn High School that he is retiring from coaching football after guiding the destinies of the Colonels of New Castle for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, the handsome, greying but still boyish-looking, Billy Cole, at age 50, has harvested numerous honors during his distinguished career at William Penn including State football championships in 1952, 1953, 1955 and 1962, and Coach-of-the-Year recognition in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Billy Cole, a three letterman, was a standout, speedy halfback at the University of Delaware during the late 1940's when the Blue Hens compiled a 32-game winning streak, prior to his becoming head football and baseball coach—the latter for 12 years—and athletic director of William Penn High School; and
WHEREAS, Billy Cole—an expert hunter, tiller of the soil, golfer, in addition to being a superb leader of young men—will happily continue in his present role as athletic director of William Penn; and
WHEREAS, Billy Cole, the lone remaining member of the original committee that formed the highly successful Blue Hen Conference for high school sports in New Castle County, was the coach of the victorious Blue team that played in the first Delaware All Star Football Game for the benefit of Delaware's Mentally Retarded Children; and
WHEREAS, Billy Cole is a respected friend of thousands of Delawareans and a beloved husband of Mrs. Elaine Cole and three fine young Coles—Billy, age 9, and twins, Leslie and Tommy, age 8; and
WHEREAS, the members of the 127th General Assembly wish to salute Billy "Old King"- Cole as he retires after a quarter century of coaching gridiron teams wearing the scarlet and black colors of William Penn High School.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 127th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that sincere congratulations be extended to Billy Cole as he gives up the football coaching reins at William Penn High School after holding them for 25 years and that warm wishes be extended to him for good health and continued success as athletic director in the future.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Coles at their home in Penn Acres, New Castle; to Mr. Jack D. Graybeal, Principal of William Penn High School; and to Mr. Ray W. Christian, Superintendent of the New Castle-Gunning Bedford School District.
Approved March 18, 1974