Senate Resolution No. 1169

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke upon the
occasion of her induction into the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame on July 27, 2025

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
Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke upon the occasion of her induction into the
Rome Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and

WHEREAS, A gifted multi-sport athlete at Rome Free Academy (RFA),
Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke played a pivotal role in securing sectional
titles for the Black Knights in both alpine skiing and softball, but it
was in the sport of field hockey that she truly distinguished herself as
one of the region's elite athletes; and

WHEREAS, As a three-time Onondaga High School League All-Star and
record-setting goalkeeper, Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke's performance was
nothing short of extraordinary; her 199 saves during the 1988 season
remain a Rome Free Academy record and a testament to her skill, focus,
and tenacity; and

WHEREAS, Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke's dominance in the net earned
her a scholarship to Miami University (Ohio), where she continued to
excel, setting the school record for career save percentage (0.877),
leading the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in total saves in multiple
seasons, and earning All-MAC Academic honors in 1993 for her
achievements in both athletics and academics; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke served as a
goalkeepers coach at Central Michigan University, before returning to
her hometown of Rome, where she dedicated herself to educating and
mentoring young people as a teacher of physical education and health,
and as a devoted volunteer coach; and

WHEREAS, Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke's coaching legacy is as
distinguished as her playing career; she mentored numerous all-league
and all-state field hockey players and helped lead RFA to Section III
championships in 2004 and 2005; and

WHEREAS, In addition to field hockey, Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke
successfully coached both boys and girls varsity golf teams to sectional
championships, and has developed multiple sectional and New York State
champions in alpine skiing, demonstrating her versatility, leadership,
and commitment to excellence across sports; and

WHEREAS, Admired not only for her athletic knowledge but also for
her philosophy of coaching-centered on developing leaders on and off the

field-Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke has earned the respect and gratitude of
students, athletes, and fellow educators alike; and

WHEREAS, Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke's induction into the Rome Sports
Hall of Fame reflects not only a lifetime of athletic excellence but
also a lasting legacy of mentorship, sportsmanship, and community
impact; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke upon the occasion of her induction into
the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, and to commend her for
her distinguished achievements as an athlete, educator, and coach; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Melissa D'Antonio O'Rourke.