Senate Resolution No. 1170

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Scott Parsons upon the occasion of his
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
Scott Parsons upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports
Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and

WHEREAS, A standout three-sport athlete at Rome Free Academy (RFA),
Scott Parsons excelled in baseball, football, and track, establishing
himself as one of the region's most promising young athletes and earning
an invitation to attend the United States Naval Academy in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Choosing instead to pursue his dream of playing
professional baseball, Scott Parsons enrolled at Onondaga Community
College to further develop his pitching skills; though his athletic
aspirations were cut short by a career-ending shoulder injury, his
passion for sports would soon evolve into a lifelong career in education
and coaching; and

WHEREAS, Committed to shaping future athletes and leaders, Scott
Parsons earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from SUNY
Cortland and a master's degree from Elmira College, laying the
foundation for what would become a legendary coaching and teaching
career; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Scott Parsons was hired by Holland Patent Athletic
Director Fran Lisewski as a physical education teacher and varsity
baseball coach, a decision that would prove to be profoundly impactful
for the school district and community; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of 38 seasons leading the Holland Patent
Golden Knights baseball program, Coach Parsons has amassed an
extraordinary 531 victories, earned multiple Coach of the Year honors,
and helped mold hundreds of student-athletes with his unwavering
dedication and leadership; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his legendary baseball career, Scott Parsons
has contributed across the athletic spectrum, coaching varsity
wrestling, tennis, football, and modified soccer at Holland Patent, and
leading the football program to three sectional titles; he also coached
varsity indoor track and field at his alma mater, RFA; and

WHEREAS, A true competitor beyond the scholastic level, Scott
Parsons continued his own playing career in men's slow-pitch softball,
leading several teams to regional and state tournament championships,
exemplifying a lifelong love for sport and team spirit; and


WHEREAS, Scott Parsons's career is a shining example of resilience,
reinvention, and service; though an early injury changed his personal
athletic trajectory, he went on to make an even greater impact as a
mentor, coach, and role model in the classroom and on the field; and

WHEREAS, His induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame is a
well-deserved tribute to a life defined by sportsmanship, community
service, and excellence in athletic leadership; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Scott Parsons upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, recognizing his extraordinary
contributions as a coach, educator, and athlete; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Scott Parsons.