LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Paul Gillespie upon the occasion of his
outstanding season as the Head Coach of the Wantagh High School wrestl-
ing team

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 Paul
Gillespie upon the occasion of his outstanding season as the head coach
of the Wantagh High School wrestling team; and
WHEREAS, In early 1978, Paul Gillespie took over the coaching duties
for the varsity wrestling program at Long Beach High School; this
launched a legendary and distinguished 18-year coaching career at the
school; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as the varsity head wrestling coach at Long
Beach High School, Paul Gillespie compiled an outstanding record of 17
county titles, 17 conference championships, two New York State titles
and national ranking of seventh in 1982 and 13th in 1987; he amassed a
110-1 record in the league; and
WHEREAS, After a hiatus from coaching, Paul Gillespie first resumed
coaching high school wrestlers in 2001 at Oceanside High School where
his teams won two conferences; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, at age 61, Paul Gillespie resumed coaching high
school wrestling once again as the head coach of varsity wrestling at
Wantagh High School; his team captured the Nassau County dual meet title
on January 28, 2013; two weeks later, his team had two wrestlers win
individual county titles and 12 wrestlers earned All-County honors at
the individual county wrestling championships; and
WHEREAS, A member of the National Coaches Hall of Fame, Paul Gillespie
was a two-time All American intercollegiate wrestler at West Chester
State University; he has been actively involved in wrestling for many
years as both a competitor and coach; and
WHEREAS, Coach Paul Gillespie has a deep commitment to supporting high
school athletes and elevating their athletic performance; he has a true
passion for wrestling and competition, and a devotion to preserving the
integrity of the sport; he is dedicated to mentoring young high school
athletes; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Paul Gillespie upon the occasion of his outstanding season as the
head coach of the Wantagh High School wrestling team; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Gillespie.