Senate Resolution No. 754

BY: Senator STEC

HONORING Gary Edwards 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
Gary Edwards upon the occasion of being inducted into the National
Wrestling Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on Saturday, September 24,
2023, at the Double Tree Hotel in East Syracuse, New York; and

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

WHEREAS, In 1961, Gary Edwards began wrestling as a junior high
student at Peru Central School; since then, he has spent the majority of
his life dedicated to the sport; and

WHEREAS, His successful career deeming him a legendary area
wrestling coach, Gary Edwards was an assistant coach to Coach Riggs, the
first Peru wrestling coach to take his teams out of the section to
compete, starting in 1977; during his time under Riggs, the team won 122
matches in its longest winning streak; and

WHEREAS, Gary Edwards served as co-head coach to Peru Central
School's wrestling team for 21 years and has lead the team to many
Section VII individual championships, state finals, and NYSPHSAA
Tournaments; and

WHEREAS, For over 30 years, Gary Edwards has also served as the
Champlain Valley Athletic Conference wrestling chairman and as Section
VII chairman for the past 17 years; and

WHEREAS, Selflessly devoting his time to youth in Peru, Gary Edwards
enjoys taking pictures for the wrestlers in their matches and at state
competitions; and

WHEREAS, Retiring from Peru Central School District in 2002, Gary
Edwards still remains actively involved in the community and substitutes
for the school today; and

WHEREAS, In addition to playing sports, Gary Edwards has served the
young people of his community for many years as a coach of numerous Peru
youth sports programs including coaching junior varsity boys soccer for

four years, varsity boys soccer for 22 years, and also assisted on the
boys soccer team and the boys and girls track & field teams; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife Nancy Edwards, who
has felt privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his life thus far, Gary Edwards has graciously
given countless hours of his time and energy to the residents of Peru as
a skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop
potential into excellence; and

WHEREAS, Gary Edwards has clearly made a contribution to the spirit
of excellence which is a tradition of his Peru 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 Gary Edwards 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 Gary Edwards.