Senate Resolution No. 960

BY: Senator RITCHIE

HONORING Michael F. Delaney upon the occasion of
his induction into the New York State Basketball
Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
all of us; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael F.
Delaney upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State
Basketball Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, Michael F. Delaney, a Watertown native, graduated
from Watertown's Immaculate Heart Central; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Michael F. Delaney began his work with the
Immaculate Heart Central Boys Basketball Team, becoming head coach in
1975; and

WHEREAS, In his 43 years with the Immaculate Heart Central Boys
Basketball Team, Michael F. Delaney has won more than 510 games, seven
league titles, two sectional titles and one Central Conference
Championship; he has also been the recipient of multiple awards, such
as: Coach of the Year, sportsmanship awards, and the 2006 New York State
Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, The coaching career of Michael F. Delaney also includes 43
years as the Immaculate Heart Central baseball coach, where he has won
more than 560 games and made three New York State Final Four
appearances, winning one New York State title; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his coaching duties, Michael F. Delaney was
named the Immaculate Heart Central Athletic Director in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Student-athletes who have played under Michael F. Delaney
credit him with not only helping them succeed in athletics, but also in
their personal lives, often quoted as saying he prepared them for life
after high school by stressing character values, sportsmanship,
integrity, self-esteem, discipline and perseverance; and

WHEREAS, The positive impact Michael F. Delaney has had on students
at Immaculate Heart Central reaches far beyond the field of play, as he
has served as the school's guidance counselor since 1983; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame,
Michael F. Delaney is enshrined as a member of the Jefferson Community
College and Immaculate Heart Central Hall of Fames; and


WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lori, and their
four children, as well as 14 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Michael F. Delaney is a shining example of the impact a
person can have on the betterment of his community and through his
dedication to the Immaculate Heart Central School District and its
athletic teams, he has made a tremendous impact on the North Country;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael F. Delaney upon the occasion of his induction into the New
York State Basketball Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael F. Delaney.