IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION congratulating Michael Watson on his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21281, May 15, 2023
INTRODUCED BY Donna Peyton, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2023, Michael Watson, one of the most storied players in Kansas City men's basketball history, was inducted as a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023, becoming the first former University of Missouri - Kansas City Roo student-athlete to receive this prestigious honor; and,
WHEREAS, Michael’s induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions to the world of sports; and,
WHEREAS, Michael, a graduate of Kansas City's Central High School, left an indelible mark on the Kansas City basketball scene throughout his collegiate career from 2000 to 2003; and,
WHEREAS, Michael's name is engraved in the Kansas City record books as the all-time leading scorer in the UMKC program's history, with an impressive total of 2,488 points; and,
WHEREAS, his records include the highest number of points scored in a single game, with a remarkable 54 points against Oral Roberts University on February 22, 2003; and,
WHEREAS, Michael holds numerous other program records, including career three-pointers (391), games started (114), double-figure scoring games (109), and ranks in the top-ten for career assists (357), steals (173), and free throws made (397); and,
WHEREAS, Michael’s exceptional talent and dedication garnered national recognition, as evidenced by his three-time selection to the First Team All-Mid-Continent Conference and two-time inclusion in the NABC All-District Second Team, joining an elite group of Roos in program history; and,
WHEREAS, beyond his collegiate career, Watson's talents extended to professional basketball, as he played for the Boston Celtics' organization and competed internationally in Poland, Turkey, Italy, France, and Puerto Rico, representing his native land; and,
WHEREAS, Michael has returned to Kansas City, where he continues to contribute to the community as a non-profit executive director, a color commentator for Roos men's basketball games, and as the leader of his own youth sports organization, 'MENTALITY by Michael Watson'; and,
WHEREAS, his distinguished career has been acknowledged previously, with the retirement of his #22 jersey by the UMKC athletic department in 2019, joining the esteemed ranks of Catalina Suarez-Moss from volleyball and Ronnie Schmitz from basketball as the only Roos to have their numbers retired; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby extends its heartfelt congratulations to Michael Watson on his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and commends him for his exceptional athletic achievements, his dedication to the Kansas City community, and his commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21281 of May 15, 2023, was duly passed on May 15, 2023 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _____9__________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature