44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

CONGRATULATING BILLY JENKINS FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PLAY IN THE 2000 SUPER BOWL.

WHEREAS, Billy Jenkins, a native of Albuquerque, was the starting safety for the world champion St. Louis Rams in the 2000 super bowl; and

WHEREAS, Billy Jenkins was an honors program student at Albuquerque high school, completing enriched courses in math and English; and

WHEREAS, he earned letters in football, track and wrestling, but still devoted enough time to his studies to get into college; and

WHEREAS, Billy Jenkins also devoted considerable time to the study of karate under sensei Herbert Edmond of the Isshin Ryu club in Albuquerque; and

WHEREAS, many teachers and coaches played important roles in his early athletic career, including Kelly Wilson, now coaching at Rio Grande high; and

WHEREAS, Billy was named to the all-city, the all-district and the all-state football teams in his senior year and scored the only touchdown, enabling the north team to win the annual high school north-south game; and

WHEREAS, he attended Howard university, winning a full football scholarship as a "walk-on" player, was named to the all-conference team and helped lead the team to the all-Black college national football championship in 1996; and

WHEREAS, his outstanding play earned him a quick draft choice by the St. Louis Rams after his graduation from Howard; and

WHEREAS, Billy's mother, Marita Ponder, and aunt, Patricia French, are proud and honored that the star Albuquerque football player has overcome so many obstacles in his life to achieve excellence; and

WHEREAS, Billy Jenkins still makes his home in Albuquerque, providing opportunity for his continuing service as a role model for Albuquerque youth;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Billy Jenkins be congratulated for his outstanding play as a starting defensive safety for the St. Louis Rams in their victory in the 2000 super bowl; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to Billy Jenkins, his mother, Marita Ponder, and his aunt, Patricia French.