Sports Editor

MONTGOMERY – Not bad for a country boy from Gordo, Alabama.

Troy State head football coach Larry Blakeney was honored with a proclamation on Thursday by Gov. Don Siegelman declaring Dec. 20 as "Larry Blakeney Day."

"It was a thrill," said Blakeney. "Not just for me, but for my wife and some of the other Troy State people who were able to make it."

Blakeney, along with his wife Janice, TSU Chancellor Jack Hawkins, and members of the Troy State Athletics Department administrative staff were on hand Thursday afternoon in the House chamber for the ceremony. Resolutions drafted in the House and Senate honored, not only Blakeney, but the entire 2001 Troy State football team which finished the year 7-4 in its first season of Division I-A competition.

"It’s a tremendous honor for anybody," said Blakeney. "But for a guy who’s spent his life in the great State of Alabama to be recognized in any fashion, much less like this in the State house, really is humbling."

Blakeney just completed his 11th year as Troy State’s head football coach. He is the winningest coach in school history with a 99-33-1 record to his credit. Blakeney’s teams have won 10 or more games six times while winning three Southland Football League championships in five years of membership.

Blakeney credits any success to his parents and those who’ve been an influence in his life.

He was also appreciative of Troy State and the City of Troy in general.

"There’s a lot of people who had something to do with me, from when I was a little boy growing up on up to present day," he said. "There’s so many folks who had a role in me even being at Troy State. Jack Hawkins, the Board of Trustees, alumni, fans…and so many others that are so meaningful to the university. That’s what it’s all about."

The resolutions were sponsored by Reps. Alan Boothe and Joe Carothers and Sens. Jimmy Holley and Gerald Dial.

Also attending the ceremony on Thursday were Lt. Gov. Steve Windom and House Speaker Seth Hammett.

-TSU SID Contributed to this report