Special to T-H
VINCENNES — Long-time North Knox Schools teacher and basketball coach Rick Marshall of Vincennes announced Friday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the 45th District seat in the Indiana House of Representatives. Since 1979, Marshall has served as a teacher in the North Knox School Corporation.
“I recognize the awesome responsibility that comes with serving the public, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent the people of the 45th District at the Statehouse,” Marshall said. “My promise to them is that I will strive to provide the kind of representation that they came to expect through the years with a fine statesmen like John Gregg.”
Former House Speaker John R. Gregg will serve as Honorary Chair of Marshall’s campaign committee. Marshall is pursuing the seat that Speaker Gregg once held. Gregg served in the 45th District from 1986 to 2002.
“All the good that we can do as a state begins with how we help our children get the best education possible,” Marshall said. “We can give them the skills they need to pursue the kind of good-paying jobs that can help them provide for their families. We can also help teach them the abilities that will enable them to become active members of their communities and good citizens.”
In addition to education, Marshall said he will pursue a legislative agenda that emphasizes economic development and tax relief for homeowners and farmers.
“The best economic development tool we have in this state is a strong workforce, and we need to make sure that we take every step possible to help them,” Marshall noted. “By giving homeowners relief from the rising property tax bills, we can keep the American dream alive for people who wish to own their own homes or farms or businesses.”
“My belief is that government can take an active role in achieving all of these dreams, and I look forward to debating the goals I have outlined today in the weeks and months to come,” Marshall said. “I certainly look forward to traveling the district and sharing these ideas with those who live and work in our area.”
For 20 years, Marshall coached the North Knox girls’ basketball team, compiling 366 wins and only 100 losses, 15 sectional titles and five regional championships. During his tenure, Marshall was recognized for numerous coaching awards. He coached three Indiana All-Stars, Tricia Cullop in 1989, Cindy Kerns in 1995 and Chelsea Gugliotta in 2004, and in 1990 he served as the team’s assistant coach. Marshall also has coached baseball, football, basketball and track in the North Knox school system.
Marshall belongs to the Indiana State Teachers Association and the National Education Association. During his coaching career, he was a member of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, the Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association, the Indiana Coaches of Girls’ Sports Association, the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Association and the United States Golf Association.
Marshall and his wife Janette have two daughters: Karli Riane and Alexa Marie. They are members of Community United Methodist Church in Vincennes. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis in 1979 and his Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana State University in 1985.
The 45th District contains all of Sullivan County and sections of Daviess, Greene, Knox and Vigo Counties. In Daviess County, voters in Steele, Elmore and Madison Townships vote in District 45.
