LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ben Ross upon the occasion of his
induction into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame on June 8, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 Ben
Ross upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater Utica Sports
Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at the Radisson
Hotel-Utica Centre, Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, A tough, iconic figure at New York Mills High School, Ben
Ross served as a Coach and Athletic Director for two decades before
becoming Principal; and
WHEREAS, Ben Ross was known throughout the State for his unprecedented
football coaching record of 131-25-2 in 20 seasons, including 11 of the
first 13 Championships in the Center State Conference, which he was
instrumental in founding; he had numerous undefeated and one loss
seasons; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he had great success in basketball, baseball and
track, where his baseball teams captured two sectional titles and many
of his track athletes won sectional crowns; and
WHEREAS, In his final years at New York Mills High School, he
concluded his illustrious career as high school Principal; Ben Ross was
much more than a Coach, Athletic Director, or Principal; he instilled in
the entire student body, a will to succeed; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this exemplary man ensured that his athletes
performed in academics as well as in sports; and
WHEREAS, For his immeasurable contributions to New York Mills High
School and the community-at-large, Ben Ross was honored with a village
wide, "Ben Ross Day"; the school also honored him by naming the football
field and track the "Ben Ross Field"; and
WHEREAS, Ben Ross will always be remembered as a New York Mills icon,
not only for his extraordinary records, but for the life lessons and
high standards he imparted to all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Ben Ross for his
extraordinary accomplishments which are a tribute to his skill, dedi-
cation and commitment; 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
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ben Ross upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater Utica
Sports Hall of Fame on June 8, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ben Ross.