Senate Resolution No. 839

BY: Senator AKSHAR

CONGRATULATING former Coach Gary Vail upon the
occasion of his induction into the New York State
Basketball Hall of Fame on March 24, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes and coaches who have distinguished themselves
through their exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success
and the highest level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate former Coach Gary Vail upon the occasion of his induction
into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at a
Ceremony on Sunday, March 24, 2019, in Heritage Hall at the Glens Falls
Civic Center in Glens Falls, New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Basketball Hall of Fame honors the best
coaches in the history of basketball in the State; Gary Vail is truly
deserving of this esteemed recognition; and

WHEREAS, For 35 years, Gary Vail served as the Coach of the Windsor
High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team, the last 25 of which he also
held the title of Director of Athletics and Physical Education before
officially retiring from both positions in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Today, Gary Vail remains involved with Windsor's sports
program, helping to organize its sports history into a coaches legacy
library; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Gary Vail worked hard
to hone the skills of his teams, teaching these outstanding athletes
lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, Gary Vail is widely regarded by players and coaches as a
passionate, dedicated and inspirational coach, leading the Windsor Black
Knights to three Section IV titles, 11 league championships, 16
tournament championships, and nearly 1,000 wins; and

WHEREAS, Coach Gary Vail truly loved and cared about each and every
one of his athletes, and diligently worked to not only teach them
basketball skills, but also, the values of good sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, Through his humor and passion, Gary Vail was an inspiration
to his basketball players, their families, and the community for 35
years, and accordingly merits recognition for his tremendous passion and
competitive spirit; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all members of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate former Coach Gary Vail upon the occasion on his induction
into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame on March 24, 2019; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to former Coach Gary Vail.