Senate Resolution No. 2314

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Ray Johnson 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
Ray Johnson 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 track standout at Mont Pleasant High School who also
played football and basketball, Ray Johnson clearly demonstrated a wide
range of talent, along with extraordinary athletic ability to excel at
the highest level; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, Ray Johnson was the Section II Class A 220-yard
champion (22.6); winner of the 220-yard dash at the State Meet
Qualifier, a 2nd place finisher in the Sectional 100-yard dash, and
garnered a 5th place finish in the 220-yard dash at the State Meet; and

WHEREAS, Ray Johnson was a repeat winner in the 220-yard run (22.1)
at the 1972 Section II Class A Championship and added victories in the
Schenectady County Championship and the Eddy Meet 440-yard run, where he
set a new Mont Pleasant High School record (48.4); and

WHEREAS, Ray Johnson's senior year culminated with an undefeated
season and State Championship in the 440, setting a meet record (49.6)
at the 1972 Sectional Qualifier, while also running the anchor leg on
Mont Pleasant's record-setting Section II Mile Relay team; and

WHEREAS, Ray Johnson received a scholarship to Manhattan College,
where he ran the quarter mile leg on Manhattan's Indoor Distance Medley
Relay team that set a world record (9:43.7) and allowed Manhattan's
indoor track team to win the 1973 NCAA team title at Cobo Arena in
Detroit, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Manhattan's Indoor track team also won the 1973
Metropolitan Intercollegiate Track Championship, the 52nd Annual IC4A
Indoor Track Championship, and Ray Johnson was named an All-American
later that year for his contributions to this outstanding team, which
was inducted into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Ray Johnson has been an inspiration to countless track and
field 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 Ray Johnson 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 Ray Johnson.