Senate Resolution No. 1345

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Doug Meiss upon the occasion of being
inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes 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 honor
Doug Meiss upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame, to be celebrated at a Ceremony on Sunday, July 30, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Every year, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame publicly commends
the pursuit of athletic excellence, recognizes those who have excelled,
and strives to preserve Rome's rich athletic heritage; Doug Meiss is
truly deserving of this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, Life-long Roman Doug Meiss grew up in a family of athletes;
at a young age, he began his officiating career serving as a volunteer
referee for the Rome Fort Stanwix Youth Hockey Association; and

WHEREAS, Since then, Doug Meiss has officiated NCAA Division I,
Division II, and Division III men's lacrosse games for more than 40
years, including the quarter- and semi-finals of the NCAA Men's Division
III Tournament, the National Junior College Athletic Association
Championship Game, and numerous college conference and league
championship finals; and

WHEREAS, In addition to officiating scores of games each year and
serving as mentor to young officials, Doug Meiss has held numerous
administrative roles such as observer of Division III college men's
lacrosse officials for the District II region; Empire State Games boys
lacrosse officials' coordinator; New York State Boys High School
Lacrosse Officials Association President; Competition Chairman on the
Tri-City Lacrosse Board of Directors; and is a member of the Central New
York Lacrosse Officials Association; and

WHEREAS, Doug Meiss also officiates ice hockey games and has served
as an Eastern College Athletic Conference men's hockey official, both
president and assignor of officials for the Central New York Ice Hockey
Officials Association, and a linesman in the professional Northeastern
Hockey League; and

WHEREAS, A three-sport athlete, Doug Meiss received high school
All-Conference awards in football, ice hockey, and lacrosse during his
playing days at Rome Free Academy (Class of 1972); as a member of the
Syracuse Junior Blazers in the NY-Penn Junior Hockey League, he was
selected to represent the league by being named to the Lester Patrick
All-American United States Junior Hockey team; and

WHEREAS, Later, Doug Meiss was a player/coach for the semi-pro
Copper City Chiefs and coach in the Rome Youth Hockey Association; and


WHEREAS, Doug Meiss has clearly made a contribution to the spirit of
excellence which is a tradition of his Rome community; 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 the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Doug Meiss upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Doug Meiss.