(Garland ISD) June 11, 2013 – Under the leadership of Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Fred Parker, Bussey Middle School has won several west zone and city championship titles. But that’s not the record gaining him recognition. Parker was recently inducted into the athletic hall of fame at his alma mater, Mississippi Valley State University.
Attending from 1981-1986, he played both running back and full back positions on the university’s football team. Parker then signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers for the 1986 and 1987 seasons.
“I started playing football in sixth grade and always dreamed of going pro,” he said. “Playing for Green Bay is one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.”
An accomplishment achieved only through hard work and dedication, Parker committed his post-football career to putting students on the path to their dreams. He joined Garland ISD in 1991, working at the Cooperative Behavior Center. One year later, Parker transferred to Bussey where he has remained ever since. About to complete his 21st year at the school, Parker started as a special education teacher and then moved to physical education. He also served as an assistant football coach. A few years ago, Parker took over for retiring athletic coordinator and head football coach Don Williams.
Under his direction, Bussey’s football and boys basketball teams finished their 2012-13 seasons as west zone champs. The school has also won at least seven city championship titles in football, track and basketball during Parker’s time as a coach.
“Our physical education and athletic staff is amazing,” he commented. “I couldn’t do it without them. But I don’t measure success by the number of championships we have, rather how successful our students are when they graduate.”
“Coach Parker knows the value of education, and athletics helped him get it,” said Mary Garcia, principal at Bussey. “He gives many of our students the second chance they need for a successful future.”
Revisiting his athletic roots, Parker returned to Mississippi Valley State University this spring as one of six inductees into the school’s hall of fame. During the ceremony, he received a ring, sport jacket and plaque to commemorate the honor.
“Being chosen by my alma mater from among peers is such a great feeling,” said Parker. “My years at MVSU were some of the best of my life. I enjoyed the camaraderie and learned the importance of hard work.”
Another one of life’s greatest accomplishment achieved, Parker hopes it will bring recognition not to him, but to Bussey Nation.
“It’s not about me anymore,” he commented. “I’ve had my success. It’s about the kids now. I just want to be a positive role model and help lead them in the right direction.”
By Tiffany Graber, Garland ISD Communications Specialist.
Click here to LIKE Blue Ribbon News on Facebook to win prize drawings, keep up with what’s happening in your neighborhood, and help us spread more good news!
To share your good news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Bussey MS coach inducted into athletic hall of fame added by Editor on
View all posts by Editor →