LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tom Blackford upon the occasion of his
induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes and coaches who distinguish themselves through
their exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the
highest level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor
Tom Blackford upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State
Basketball Hall of Fame; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
March 20, 2011; and
WHEREAS, At age 58, and with 29 years of high school basketball coach-
ing experience behind him, Tom Blackford is still teaching boys how to
play basketball "the right way"; he uses a tried and true formula of
heart, good guard play and a system he believes in; and
WHEREAS, Tom Blackford, the Fayetteville-Manlius basketball coach who
started his coaching career at Hamilton High School almost three decades
ago, will be inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame on
March 20, 2011; and
WHEREAS, After building a powerhouse high school basketball program at
Hamilton High where his career record was an outstanding 317-138, and
winning two state titles, Tom Blackford moved on to Fayetteville-Manli-
us, where he has achieved a record of 107-80; and
WHEREAS, Retired from being a high school physical education teacher
for 35 years, Tom Blackford is currently teaching a coaching theory
class at Morrisville College; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout his distinguished basketball coaching
career has been his wife, Valerie, who feels privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoices in his outstanding achievements; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Tom Blackford for his
extraordinary athletic coaching accomplishments which are a tribute to
his skill, dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations with
praise and pride to honor Tom Blackford upon the occasion of his
induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, he tran-
smitted to Tom Blackford.