LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Webster Thomas Boys Varsity Basketball
Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement after 35
distinguished years in coaching

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, to commend notable athletic coaches who
serve the youth of this great Empire State, and who have distinguished
themselves and their schools through outstanding commitment and exem-
plary athletic achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Webster Thomas Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. upon the
occasion of his retirement after 35 distinguished years in coaching; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Rourke, Jr. was an all-star player for his father at
Webster, then went on to a stellar college career at St. John Fisher
College and was drafted by the NBA's New York Knicks; however, teaching
and coaching, first at the combined district school and then at Webster
Thomas, soon became his profession; and
WHEREAS, A Section V Basketball Hall of Famer, Bill O'Rourke, Jr.
coached the Webster boys at the varsity level for 35 years; he succeeded
his father, the late Bill O'Rourke, Sr. who spent 28 years on the bench
and like his son is also a member of the Section V Basketball Hall of
Fame; in addition, Bill O'Rourke, Jr.'s brother, Tom, is a Section V
Hall of Famer; and
WHEREAS, Prior to coaching varsity, Bill O'Rourke, Jr. coached seventh
and eighth graders for two years and the Webster junior varsity for
seven, with his father as the school's varsity coach; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Rourke, Jr., 65, announced his retirement after post-
ing a mark of 468-272 since 1979 for the Webster schools; add in what
his late father, Bill O'Rourke, Sr. accomplished, and father and son won
811 games in Webster from 1950 to 2013; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. has
educated and touched the lives of many students during his tenure; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife and their three daugh-
ters, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr.'s positive demeanor, selfless
commitment, and caring concern have contributed to his enduring success
as a coach and mentor, earning him the just respect and admiration of
his community, his peers, and the athletes he has so ably coached; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Webster Thomas Boys Basketball Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr. upon the
occasion of his retirement after 35 distinguished years in coaching; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coach Bill O'Rourke, Jr.