LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Louis Pettinelli, Jr. upon the occasion
of being inducted into the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge institutions and individuals of remarkable integri-
ty and character who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic
Empire State with their strong contributions to the community and model
citizenship; and
WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents, educa-
tors, and administrators, to provide the highest quality education for
students is the hallmark and tradition of Rome Free Academy; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Louis Pettinelli, Jr. upon the occasion of being inducted into the New
York State Public High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame on
Wednesday, August 3, 2011, at the High Peaks in Lake Placid, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, Louis
Pettinelli has been a highly respected wrestling official for more than
50 years; since the 1960s, he has officiated the Section III champion-
ships and organized dozens of volunteers to keep score, help with secu-
rity, or work closely with officials at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling State
Championships; and
WHEREAS, Since 1969, Louis Pettinelli has been the representative for
the New York State Wrestling Officials on the New York State Public High
School Officials Coordinating Federation; his career began when he was
hired as a teacher at Central Square High School in 1955 after graduat-
ing from Rome Free Academy in 1951; and
WHEREAS, During his time at RFA, Louis Pettinelli lettered in football
for three years as a starting offensive lineman and also lettered twice
in lacrosse; he was captain of the football team five times and played
in the first game at RFA Stadium back in 1950; and
WHEREAS, Louis Pettinelli earned both his bachelor's and master's
degrees in physical education from Cortland State; while at Central
Square, he coached junior varsity basketball and varsity football, but
was better known as its founder of the wrestling program in 1958; he was
a longtime wrestling coach and went on to be an educator for 26 years;
and
WHEREAS, Since 1958, Louis Pettinelli has been a charter member of the
Syracuse Wrestling Officials Association; since 1968, he has served as a
member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Wrestling Offi-
cials Association; and
WHEREAS, From 1970-1972, Louis Pettinelli served as President of New
York State Wrestling Officials Association and has been recognized by
several organizations for his service and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Louis Pettinelli has been voted into six other halls of fame,
including the Rome Sports Hall of Fame, the Section III Wrestling Hall
of Fame, the Central Square School District Wall of Distinction, the
SUNY Cortland Hall of Fame, the New York State Hall of Fame and the
National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his involvement with the sport of
wrestling; 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 Louis Pettinelli, Jr. upon the occasion of being inducted into the
New York State Public High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Louis Pettinelli, Jr.