LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Alonzo Patterson upon the occasion of
his induction into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those
outstanding individuals from the sporting world who have distinguished
themselves through exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented
success and the highest level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Alonzo Patterson upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater
Utica Sports Hall of Fame, held on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at the Radisson
Hotel-Utica Centre; and
WHEREAS, A former Canadian Football League and United States Football
League player, Alonzo Patterson was a two-sport standout at Utica Free
Academy, and he went on to become a star offensive player at Wagner
College where he led the Division III school in rushing yards two
seasons in a row, set the college's single-season rushing record with
1,487 yards and career rushing record with 4,777 yards at the time of
his graduation; he then went on to play in the CFL with the Toronto
Argonauts and the USFL with the New Jersey Generals; he is also a member
of the Wagner College Athletic Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, A total team player, Alonzo Patterson was an exceptionally
gifted track and field and football star at Utica Free Academy; in a
total of eight seasons of indoor and outdoor track, he placed in the New
York State Championships in the high hurdles; and
WHEREAS, As a result of his athletic skills, Alonzo Patterson was
heavily recruited and settled on playing college football at Wagner
College; he is the only Wagner football player to have his number
retired, and was the school's first three time All-American; the tail-
back played a huge part in the Seahawks making two NCAA Division III
Tournament appearances in three years; he is also a major reason why
Wagner transformed to a Division I college, and as a result of his
record-setting career, he was selected as a member of the Wagner College
Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994; and
WHEREAS, The Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts drafted
Alonzo Patterson for its football team in 1983; that particular team
would go on to win the League's Gray Cup; in 1984, he would play in the
United States Football League for the New Jersey Generals; it was there
that he would serve as back-up to one of football's greatest running
backs of all-time, Herschel Walker; and
WHEREAS, The careers of the inductees of the Greater Utica Sports Hall
of Fame provide a legacy of commitment and excellence, bringing them
distinction as well as serving as models of inspiration to all who would
aspire to growth and success; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Alonzo Patterson upon the occasion of his induction into the
Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alonzo Patterson.