LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the State University at Buffalo
Bulls Football Team and Coach Turner Gill for their outstanding accom-
plishments throughout the 2008 season

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by
dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, A Division 1-A member of the National Collegiate Athletic
Association, the UB Bulls Football Team are the Mid-American Conference
East Champions; on national television, the Bulls completed their cham-
pionship season with a stunning victory over previously undefeated and
nationally 12th ranked Ball State University by a 42-24 score; and
WHEREAS, This important victory earned the UB Bulls the distinction of
competing in their first postseason bowl game in 50 years with a trip to
the International Bowl in Toronto, Ontario, on Saturday, January 3,
2009; and
WHEREAS, This particular bowl bid was only the second in SUNY
Buffalo's 94 years of collegiate football and the first invitation the
school accepted; and
WHEREAS, In 1958, the UB Bulls Football Team was invited to play in
the Tangerine Bowl against Florida State, but in a show of unparalleled
character and integrity refused the invitation after learning that two
of its African-American players would not be allowed to compete; and
WHEREAS, The response of the fans, students and Western New York
community for the International Bowl set a UB school attendance record
by selling well over the 10,000 ticket allotment for the game; and
WHEREAS, Several honors were bestowed upon the coaches and players of
this year's UB Bulls Football Team, including head coach Turner Gill
being named a finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant national coach of the
year award; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the UB Bulls had five of its players place first
or second team honors on the 2008 All-MidAmerican Conference teams; and
WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is due in great
part to the efforts of Coach Turner Gill and his team of outstanding
assistant coaches, skilled and inspirational tutors, respected for their
ability to develop potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, The team's overall record is outstanding, and the team
members were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans,
friends and the community at large; and
WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the UB Bulls Football Team, from the opening
game of the season to participation in the Championship, were a brother-
hood of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of schol-
arship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and
WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the team members have proven
themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favor-
ably on their school; and
WHEREAS, Coach Turner Gill and his dedicated staff have done a superb
job in guiding, molding and inspiring the team members toward their
goals; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Coach Turner Gill and his outstanding athletes have

clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a
tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the State University at Buffalo Bulls Football Team, and
Coach Turner Gill on their outstanding season and overall team record;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the State University at Buffalo Bulls Football Team and to
Coach Turner Gill.