RESOLUTION NO. 130135

Recognizing and honoring Gerry Marlin, Ruskin High School basketball coach, on winning his 500th career game and for inspiring so many young men to excel in both athletics and academics and to become leaders in their communities.

WHEREAS, Coach Marlin has been a head coach 26 years, the last 11 at Ruskin High School, developing men of character, many of whom have gone on to play Division I, Division II and NAIA college basketball and many, many more who have become successful pillars of society; and

WHEREAS, after guiding his Ruskin teams to many conference and district championships, Coach Marlin won his 500th game January 25 against Park Hill High School 65-50, becoming one of only approximately 50 Missouri high school basketball coaches, active or retired, to ever reach the 500 win plateau, according to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) record books; and

WHEREAS, in 2007 under Coach Marlin’s leadership, Ruskin won the Missouri Class 4 State Championship, finishing with 29 straight wins and a record of 29-1. Following that season, Coach Marlin won the Richard Fairchild Award, given to the Coach of the Year by the Missouri Basketball Coaches’ Association; the Paul Lambert Award, given to the Coach of the Year in the Kansas City metropolitan area; and he was named Coach of the Year by The Kansas City Star and Metro Sports. Coach Marlin also coached the West All Stars to a win in the Missouri Hall of Fame Game and led the Missouri All Stars to a win over the Kansas All Stars; and

WHEREAS, Coach Marlin’s 500th win was recognized by the Missouri General Assembly, thanks to a resolution sponsored by State Representative Joe Runions and co-sponsored by Representatives Bonnaye Mims and Kevin McManus and a Senate resolution sponsored by State Senator Jason Holsman; and

WHEREAS, Coach Marlin’s professionalism, work ethic and dedication is a daily inspiration for Ruskin High School staff and students; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby honor and commend Coach Gerry Marlin for his meritorious service to the City of Kansas City, Missouri and to Ruskin High School and the Kansas City high school basketball community in particular; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof, and that a copy hereof be presented to Coach Marlin in token of the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for his many years of dedicated service and of their best wishes for all the years to come.

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