Senate Resolution No. 1172

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING William Arthur III 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
William (Bill) Arthur III upon the occasion of his induction into the
Rome Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and

WHEREAS, A native son of Rome, New York, and a proud graduate of
Rome Free Academy (RFA), Bill Arthur was a standout three-sport athlete
in the mid-1960s, excelling in football, baseball, and swimming, and
building the foundation for a life of achievement on and off the field;
and

WHEREAS, On the gridiron, Bill Arthur was a formidable three-way
starter-playing fullback on offense, linebacker on defense, and punter
on special teams-who played a key role in leading RFA to an undefeated
season in 1965; and

WHEREAS, Equally accomplished in the classroom, Bill Arthur earned
the Anthony "Slim" Mezza Award for academic excellence, demonstrating
the discipline, intellect, and leadership that would define his later
pursuits; and

WHEREAS, A state-ranked swimmer and All-Central Oneida League
pitcher in baseball, Bill Arthur's athleticism was evident across
multiple sports, earning him the admiration of coaches, teammates, and
competitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Highly recruited by Division I colleges, Bill Arthur chose
Cornell University, where he transitioned to quarterback and continued
punting, ultimately leading the Ivy League in punting in 1970 and
playing a key role in the backfield alongside future Heisman Trophy
runner-up Ed Marinaro; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduation, Bill Arthur returned to his hometown of
Rome, where he dedicated several years to teaching and coaching at RFA,
mentoring student-athletes including standout quarterbacks Joe Mortis
and Ricky McClain, and giving back to the community that shaped him; and

WHEREAS, Bill Arthur later relocated to Houston, Texas, where he
found lasting success in the hospitality industry, beginning at the
city's convention and visitor's bureau and advancing to leadership roles
with Wyndham Hotels Resorts of Texas and The Woodlands Executive
Conference Center and Resort; and

WHEREAS, Through every chapter of his life-as a scholar-athlete,
educator, coach, and business professional-Bill Arthur has embodied
excellence, integrity, and community spirit; and

WHEREAS, Induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame is a fitting
tribute to Bill Arthur's decades of achievement and a meaningful
acknowledgment of the enduring impact he has had on generations of
student-athletes and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William Arthur III upon the occasion of his induction into the
Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, recognizing his extraordinary
athletic accomplishments, educational contributions, and professional
success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to William Arthur III.