LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Batavia, New York, Notre Dame
Boys' Basketball Coach Mike Rapone upon the occasion of becoming the
most successful coach in Section 5 history

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those individuals within our midst who have contributed great-
ly to the quality of our lives by providing exceptional leadership and
commitment to our youth; and
WHEREAS, It is acknowledged that athletic competition enhances the
moral and physical development of the young people of this State,
preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of team-
work, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for
success and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and,
further, that excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, all
of which actions are nurtured by dedicating coaching; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Batavia, New York, Notre Dame Boys' Basketball Coach Mike Rapone
upon the occasion of becoming the most successful coach in Section 5
history; and
WHEREAS, On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, Batavia, New York, Notre Dame
Boys' Basketball Coach Mike Rapone became the winningest coach in
Section 5 boys basketball's 89-year history when his top-seeded Irish
beat No. 4 Arkport, 60-41; this was Coach Rapone's 546th career victory;
the win also sent Notre Dame into the Class D1 championship game; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding athletic coaching accomplishment shattered a
record that had stood for almost three decades; Coach Rapone's impres-
sive career record now stands at 546-136; his teams have amassed 27
Genesee Region League championships and is tied for third with seven
Section 5 championships; and
WHEREAS, In addition, under Coach Mike Rapone's expert tutelage,
Batavia's Notre Dame boys basketball team has been to four Far West
Regional championships, coming away with a 4-0 record, and two of those
trips resulted in New York State titles (1992 and 2001); his teams are
tied with Newark for the best winning percentage in Section 5 since 1975
(.798); he has compiled a career winning percentage of .801 and has been
named Section 5 Coach of the Year three times; and
WHEREAS, The name "Rapone" is synonymous with Notre Dame; Coach Mike
Rapone is a native of Le Roy, New York, and a graduate of Notre Dame
high school himself; he has spent his entire 30-year coaching tenure at
the school, where he also serves as vice principal and athletic direc-
tor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Karen, and their
daughter, Melissa, and son, Mike, both graduates of Notre Dame, as well
as his extended family, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Batavia, New York, Notre Dame Boys' Basketball Coach Mike
Rapone upon the occasion of becoming the most successful coach in
Section 5 history; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Batavia, New York, Notre Dame Boys' Basketball Coach Mike
Rapone.