LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John "Carson" Cunningham upon the occa-
sion of his retirement as Coach of the New Hartford High School Ice
Hockey Team after 35 years of distinguished service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those nota-
ble athletic coaches who serve the youth of this great Empire State and
who have distinguished themselves and their schools through outstanding
commitment and exemplary 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 John
"Carson" Cunningham upon the occasion of his retirement as Coach of the
New Hartford High School Ice Hockey Team after 35 years of distinguished
service; his tremendous contributions will be celebrated at a special
retirement dinner on Friday, May 2, 2014, at the Stonebridge Inn, New
Hartford, New York; and
WHEREAS, John "Carson" Cunningham stepped down as Head Coach of the
New Hartford High School Spartans in March 2014 after compiling a list
of exceptional accomplishments; an overall record of 335-193-28, eight
league titles, four Section III crowns, four regional and three New York
State Public High School Athletic Association championships; and
WHEREAS, A native of New Hartford, John "Carson" Cunningham has trans-
formed his love of ice hockey, begun at an early age on backyard ice
rinks in his neighborhood, and developed as a junior high school and
then New Hartford High School varsity player, into a priceless legacy of
teaching, mentoring, and service to generations of student-athletes; and
WHEREAS, John "Carson" Cunningham got his hockey coaching start at
Skaneateles High School after attending Herkimer County Community
College and then to Cortland State; he returned to New Hartford High
School and coached freshman football and girls gymnastics before spend-
ing 11 seasons as an assistant coach; he took over as Head Coach in
1990; and
WHEREAS, As Head Coach, John "Carson" Cunningham set a high bar for
excellence, winning state titles in 1997, 2009, 2010, and 2014; this
exceptional leader is widely admired for the tremendous rapport with
young people that created outstanding teams, was named Coach of the Year
several times in his career; and
WHEREAS, John "Carson" Cunningham, will play a continuing role in high
school ice hockey as Section III chairman, as well as site chairman for
the state tournament at the Utica Memorial Auditorium; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he will continue coaching the Spartans' softball
team, which he has led to more than 400 victories and several sectional
titles since 1983; and
WHEREAS, With his unremitting commitment to excellence, John "Carson"
Cunningham has earned the just respect and admiration of his community,
his peers and the outstanding athletes he has so ably coached; and
WHEREAS, John "Carson" Cunningham has clearly had an enduring impact
on the youth at New Hartford High School, the community-at-large, and
the New York State Public High School Association, and accordingly
merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication to others;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for John "Carson" Cunningham and to wish

him continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Coach John "Carson" Cunningham upon the occasion of his retirement
after 35 years of distinguished service, and for his significant
contributions to the uplift of youth in New York State; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coach John "Carson" Cunningham.