Senate Resolution No. 2311

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Tom Chestnut upon the occasion of being
inducted into the Schenectady School District
Athletic Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
Tom Chestnut upon the occasion of being inducted into the Schenectady
School District Athletic Hall of Fame on Monday, September 16, 2024, at
The Event Center at Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady, New York; and

WHEREAS, A three-sport athlete at Linton High School, Tom Chestnut
played basketball for Schenectady Hall of Famer Walt Przybylo, football;
and played tennis on Linton's 1964 Sectional championship team; and

WHEREAS, Tom Chestnut graduated high school a year early and
attended Princeton University where his 1966-67 basketball team finished
25-3, won the Ivy League title and garnered a ranking as high as number
three in the nation, and finished fifth in the final poll; and

WHEREAS, In the 1968-69 season, Tom Chestnut scored 22 points with
13 rebounds in a game vs. Harvard leading Princeton to a second Ivy
League title during his tenure where the team finished with an overall
record of 19-7; and

WHEREAS, Following his collegiate career, Tom Chestnut played
semi-pro basketball with the Schaefer Brewers, and pro basketball in
Europe for three years where he was a two-time scoring champion in the
Dutch League; and

WHEREAS, After his playing days, Tom Chestnut forged a stellar
career as a sports executive serving as President and Chief Operating
Officer of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers from 1990-95, and Chief
Operating Officer of the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1995-96 season;
and

WHEREAS, Tom Chestnut continued demonstrating his administrative
acumen as Vice President and General Manager of Sports Channel New York,
which later became Fox Sports Net, overseeing production of games
involving the Mets, Yankees, Islanders, Devils & Nets; and

WHEREAS, An Upstate New York Basketball Hall of Fame member, Tom
Chestnut has been an inspiration to countless basketball fans, as well
as to the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and
applause for his tremendous passion for the sport and his competitive
spirit; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Tom Chestnut upon the occasion of being inducted into the
Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame, and for his
extraordinary accomplishments which were a tribute to his skill,
dedication and commitment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Tom Chestnut.