Senate Resolution No. 914

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Perry Nizzi upon the occasion of his
retirement after 28 years of distinguished service
to Hamilton College

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Perry Nizzi upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of
distinguished service to Hamilton College on Monday, June 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, For the past 28 years, Perry Nizzi rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to Hamilton College; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as head coach of the Hamilton College men's
soccer team and as a physical education instructor, Perry Nizzi always
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, Hired at Hamilton College in 1997, Perry Nizzi spent 26
seasons with the Continentals, posting a commendable record of
211-146-48, including a team-record 12 wins in 2001; his teams also
reached double figures in wins an impressive eight times; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in his 17 years as the head coach at Herkimer
College from 1981 to 1997, Perry Nizzi's teams won 291 matches, giving
him a total of 502 victories in 43 seasons between the two schools; and

WHEREAS, Perry Nizzi coached an all-American and 23 all-region team
picks, and since 2011, had 16 all-New England Small College Athletic
Conference (NESCAC) selections; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed and respected coach has led Hamilton teams to
much success with 17 trips to the postseason including five NCAA
Division III championship appearances; he also received the 2016 NESCAC
Coach of the Year designation, guiding the Continentals to the
conference championship final that same year; and

WHEREAS, Perry Nizzi led the men's soccer team to Liberty League
tournament titles in 2004 and 2007, and regular season crowns in 2000
and 2006; in 2000, Hamilton College advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals
and was ranked 16th in the final Division III coaches poll; and

WHEREAS, In Perry Nizzi's last year as coach, the men's soccer team
received an at-large bid to the NCAA championship and defeated Calvin
University 3-2 in the first round and tied Kenyon College 2-2 in the
second round before Kenyon advanced on penalty kicks; the Hamilton
team's final overall record was 8-6-4; and

WHEREAS, A member of five halls of fame, including Rome Sports Hall
of Fame, Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame, NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame,
Herkimer College Athletic Hall of Fame and SUNY Cortland's C-Club Hall

of Fame, Perry Nizzi has demonstrated excellence in all facets of his
life of service and in his storied career; and

WHEREAS, Regarded for his unique coaching style, his ability to
foster intensely focused and remarkably jovial teams, as well as for his
discipline and strong work ethic across the positions held during his
tenure, Perry Nizzi's historic legacy will remain as a testament to
superlative athletic and professional achievement; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, Perry Nizzi was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with Hamilton College, Perry Nizzi earned
the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Perry Nizzi upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of
distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Perry Nizzi.