REQUESTING NEW MEXICO'S COMMUNITY, JUNIOR AND TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES TO WORK TOGETHER TO DEVELOP AN ATHLETIC LEAGUE TO STIMULATE COMPETITION AND EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOR STUDENTS IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, a privately financed survey undertaken among New Mexico's high school coaches and athletic directors has provided some very important information relative to post-high school athletics; and

WHEREAS, the survey indicates that very few New Mexico high school students receive athletic scholarships to New Mexico colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS, only the New Mexico junior college and the New Mexico military institute currently offer full sports programs, and the remaining five schools do not; and

WHEREAS, coaches and teachers felt overwhelmingly that significant good could come from expansion of athletic opportunities for New Mexico youth in our community and junior colleges and technical schools; and

WHEREAS, our neighboring states, including Colorado, Arizona, Utah and Texas, have extensive athletic programs in their junior and community colleges; and

WHEREAS, many New Mexico students participate in neighboring state's athletic programs; and

WHEREAS, development of athletic programs in our community and junior colleges and technical schools would provide educational opportunities for New Mexico athletes and students;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the junior and community colleges and the technical schools in New Mexico and other interested parties be requested to meet and discuss the possibility of developing a community and junior college athletic league in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this effort be developed under a private-public venture initiative; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico council of independent community colleges report to the appropriate legislative committee by November 1, 1999 on the progress of this initiative; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the executive director of the New Mexico council of independent community colleges and the director of the commission on higher education for appropriate distribution.