LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the 2015 inductees of the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose exceptional athletic prowess leaves an enduring legacy in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the 2015 inductees of the Rome Sports Hall of Fame to be celebrated
at its 39th Annual Induction and Awards dinner on Sunday, July 26, 2015,
at the Beeches Inn and Conference Center, Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Rome Sports Hall of Fame 2015 inductees include: Rob
Manfred, Jacqueline Izzo, Peter Mastracco, Raymond Tarkowski, Anne Marie
Zakala and Richard Zigrino; and
WHEREAS, A 1976 graduate of Rome Free Academy (RFA), Rob Manfred
attended Le Moyne College and Cornell University before receiving his
law degree from Harvard Law School in 1983; he began his first job in
Major League Baseball in the late 1980s, as an outside counsel in labor
negotiations; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious career, Rob Manfred served as Execu-
tive Vice President for Labor Relations and Human Resources, and ably
served as lead negotiator for the last three baseball labor contracts
and all drug agreements since 2002; he recently reached the top spot in
baseball's front office earlier this year when he became the 10th
Commissioner of Major League Baseball; and
WHEREAS, Jacqueline M. Izzo was a talented athlete and coach in the
sport of basketball; she was twice named an Intervalley League All-Star,
and also played softball and volleyball; in addition, she was presented
with the Paraclete Award which is given to the most outstanding citizen,
scholar and athlete; and
WHEREAS, An innovator in her sport, Jacqueline M. Izzo is the most
successful girls basketball coach in Rome Catholic High School history;
she has led some of her school's greatest teams to 230 victories, nine
Intervalley League Championships, a Section III Championship, and an
appearance in the state semifinals; active in her community, she recent-
ly announced her candidacy for mayor; and
WHEREAS, Peter M. Mastracco has been an outstanding all-around athlete
and leader at RFA; he was named an all-star in hockey, football, and
baseball during his high school career which concluded with his
selection as his school's top senior student-athlete; and
WHEREAS, A two-time hockey all-star, Peter M. Mastracco helped guide
his Black Knights to two state championships, and an undefeated 25-0
record during his senior season; after an outstanding collegiate career
in hockey, he returned to RFA and has been coaching hockey and football
for the past two decades; and
WHEREAS, For more than 40 years, Raymond A. Tarkowski has been a vital
part of the sports community in the City of Rome; known to sports
followers as the voice of RFA football, he has worked as the public
address announcer and statistician for the Black Knights at the Stadium
since the mid-1970s; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Colgate University and Syracuse University Law
School, Raymond A. Tarkowski has also served as the PA announcer for RFA
basketball games, Hamilton College basketball games, the Empire State
Games, and various Section III tournaments; in addition, he is a member
of the RFA Touchdown Club, and has been active in youth sports as a
baseball and basketball coach, as well as a league officer for many
years; and

WHEREAS, Anne Marie Zakala is considered by many to be the best female
bowler to come out of Rome, New York; she served as RFA's team captain
during her high school career, and was an MVP and League All-Star, who
led the Black Knights to two Section III Championships; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman also achieved success on a national
level during her time at Temple University in the 1980s, when she was a
touring member of the Women's All-Star Association; her resume includes
several honor scores, with a dozen 300 games, four 800 series and 11
all-event championships; currently, she serves as coach of the RFA Boys
Varsity Bowling Team, where she has guided her squad to a sectional
title and a berth in the state tournament; and
WHEREAS, Richard J. Zigrino was an exceptional high school athlete who
played football at multiple positions for the RFA Black Knights; he was
an outstanding placekicker and punter, as well as an excellent quarter-
back and defensive back; in addition, he was the high scorer for the RFA
basketball team and a star hitter on the baseball squad who led the
Black Knights in batting average, RBIs and extra-base hits; and
WHEREAS, After earning a football scholarship to Youngstown State,
Richard J. Zigrino once again played three positions during his college
career; after graduating, he also enjoyed an accomplished semi-pro foot-
ball playing career, and was once credited with kicking a record-break-
ing 50-yard field goal; furthermore, in 1965, he played on a Toronto
club that won the United Football League Championship; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and the 2015 inductees of the Rome Sports Hall of Fame
have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a
tradition of the Rome community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the 2015 inductees of the Rome Sports Hall of Fame; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the 2015 inductees of the Rome Sports Hall of Fame.