Senate Resolution No. 1507

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Jack Romagnoli upon the occasion of being
inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on
September 24, 2023

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
Jack Romagnoli upon the occasion of being inducted into the National
Wrestling Hall of Fame as recipient of the Outstanding American Award,
which was celebrated on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Double Tree
Hotel in East Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Upstate New York Chapter is dedicated to the main goals
of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, which are recognizing excellence
in wrestling in Upstate New York, preserving the rich and colorful
history of wrestling in the State of New York, and inspiring future
generations of New Yorkers to participate in one of the oldest sports in
the world; and

WHEREAS, Jack Romagnoli of Cazenovia, New York, was motivated to
participate in wrestling when he was involved in an incident in the
school hallway in the eighth grade; his principal suggested joining the
wrestling team in lieu of receiving detention for his role in the
altercation; and

WHEREAS, Finding his niche in sports, Jack Romagnoli made the junior
high wrestling team after which he continued using his talent on the
varsity team; he graduated from Canastota High School in 1972, wrestling
there from 1968-1972; in 1976, he finished his college education at St.
Lawrence University where he wrestled from 1972-1976 as a starter for
the Saints all four years; later, he obtained his Master of Business
Administration degree from Syracuse University in 1993; and

WHEREAS, When Jack Romagnoli joined wrestling, Section III dominated
the sport with 80 schools participating; this talented young man won the
league's title and placed in the section's tournaments twice; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, Jack Romagnoli began his coaching career as
Assistant Varsity Coach at Cazenovia High School; four years later, he
served as Head Modified Coach at Canastota High School; and

WHEREAS, As Varsity Co-Head Coach at Canastota High School from
1982-1988, Jack Romagnoli produced one New York State champion, three
state place winners, and seven Section III champions; his Red Raider
teams won two Section III team championships; and

WHEREAS, Jack Romagnoli was instrumental in placing three Canastota
High School wrestlers at St. Lawrence University; two of them were

named All-Americans, and one participated on the St. Lawrence University
Wrestling National Championship Team in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Contributory to the inception of Jamesville-Dewitt High
School's youth program and the reinstatement of the varsity programs at
Jamesville-Dewitt High School and Christian Brothers Academy, Jack
Romagnoli served as Assistant Coach; additionally, he coordinated youth
wrestling programs throughout Central New York; and

WHEREAS, Jack Romagnoli is Founder and President of Abscope
Environmental Incorporated, a national environmental remediation
company; he is also Co-Founder of CCI Companies, Inc., a major highway
and bridge construction company; collectively, the companies employ more
than 200 people, some of whom are former Central New York wrestlers; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Jack Romagnoli dedicates his time
and support to various organizations and boards such as Madison County
IDA, Rescue Mission, Canastota Booster Club, Jamesville-Dewitt Youth
Athletic Association, Friends of Section III Booster Club, and Big
Brothers Big Sisters Utica Chapter; he is also a member of the Section
III Wrestling Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, With Jack Romagnoli has been his wife of 30 years, Mary
Beth, an accomplished athlete in her own right; the couple's two sons,
JT, a three-time Section III champion, and Andrew received scholarships
to play lacrosse for the University of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Jack Romagnoli has graciously given
countless hours of his time and energy to the residents of his
community, respected for his ability to develop potential into
excellence; his legacy will endure the passage of time at the National
Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where his image and
biography will be consecrated and treasured for generations to come; 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 Jack Romagnoli upon the occasion of being inducted into the
National Wrestling Hall of Fame on September 24, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jack Romagnoli.