LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. and his late
father, Coach Bill O'Rourke Sr., upon the occasion of compiling 800 wins
in boys' basketball at Webster/Webster Thomas High School

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 dedicated coaching; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. and his late father, Coach Bill O'Rourke Sr.,
upon the occasion of compiling 800 wins in boys' basketball at
Webster/Webster Thomas High School; and
WHEREAS, The late Bill O'Rourke Sr. coached boys' basketball at
Webster High School for 28 years; during his tenure, his teams compiled
an outstanding record of 343 wins; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Rourke, Jr. began his boys' basketball coaching career
at Webster High School as his father's junior varsity coach; he took
over the head coaching duties in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. has been the head boys' basketball
coach at Webster/Webster Thomas High School for 34 years; his overall
win-loss record is an outstanding 457-259; and
WHEREAS, In their 62 consecutive years of coaching boys' basketball at
Webster/Webster Thomas High School, the father-son duo, coaches Bill
O'Rourke Sr. and Bill O'Rourke, Jr., together combined for 800 wins; it
is believed that achieving a combined 800 coaching career wins is a
first in the nation at the high school level in any sport; and
WHEREAS, Coaches Bill O'Rourke, Jr., and the late Bill O'Rourke Sr.,
have demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting high school athletes
and elevating their athletic performance on the court; they had and have
a true passion for the game and competition, and a devotion to preserv-
ing the integrity of the sport; they have been dedicated to mentoring
young high school athletes on and off the basketball court; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. and his late father, Coach Bill O'Rourke
Sr., upon the occasion of compiling 800 boys' basketball wins at
Webster/Webster Thomas High School; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr.