LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Duanesburg High School Varsity Wrestling
Coach Joe Bena upon the occasion of his retirement after 48 distin-
guished years in coaching

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, to commend notable athletic coaches who
serve the youth of this great Empire State, and who have distinguished
themselves and their schools through outstanding commitment and exem-
plary athletic achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Duanesburg High School Varsity Wrestling Coach Joe Bena upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after 48 distinguished years in coaching; and
WHEREAS, Joe Bena has remarkably used his classroom to teach lessons
of wrestling for nearly half a century; he has mentored collegiate all-
Americans and three Olympians, and although his career is coming to an
end, his legacy and never ending commitment and support to his students
will live on; and
WHEREAS, Upon his graduation from high school, Joe Bena joined the
United States Navy at just 17 years old; he was discharged in 1959, and
earned his AAS in Automotive Technology from Hudson Valley Community
College; and
WHEREAS, Continuing his education, Joe Bena earned a Bachelor's degree
in Industrial Arts Education from SUNY Oswego, as well as a Master's in
Administration from Central Connecticut College; and
WHEREAS, Joe Bena started working as a Manual Arts Therapist at a
Veterans Administration Psychiatric Hospital in Westchester County after
his graduation, and two years later began his teaching career; and
WHEREAS, An Industrial Arts Teacher in the Newburgh School System from
1965 to 1968, Joe Bena also coached the school's wrestling team for two
years; in 1968, he began both teaching and coaching in the Niskayuna
School District where he remained until his retirement from teaching in
2001; and
WHEREAS, Joe Bena continued coaching the Niskayuna Wrestling Team
until 2003 when he began as the Duanesburg High School Varsity Wrestling
coach; in his more than 10 years with the team, they have remained unde-
feated in the Western Athletic Conference; and
WHEREAS, In addition to coaching, Joe Bena runs a summer youth wrestl-
ing camp at the DACC, is active in a British Car Club, and does volun-
teer work at his church, as well as the Schenectady City Mission; and
WHEREAS, Joe Bena has received countless honors and accolades through-
out his illustrious career; he is in the New York State Wrestling Coach-
es Hall of Fame, the Section II Hall of Fame for Coaching, and the
National Coaches Hall of Fame in Stillwater, New York; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is in the Athletic Hall of Fame at his alma
mater, SUNY Oswego, has won more matches than any other coach in New
York State, and is listed in the top 20 most wins in the nation; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Coach Joe Bena has educated and
touched the lives of many students during his tenure; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lois, their four
children and six grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Coach Joe Bena's positive demeanor, selfless commitment, and
caring concern have contributed to his enduring success as a coach and
mentor, earning him the just respect and admiration of his community,
his peers, and the athletes he has so ably coached; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Duanesburg High School Varsity Wrestling Coach Joe Bena upon the
occasion of his retirement after 48 distinguished years in coaching; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coach Joe Bena.