LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Paul Rickard upon the occasion of
his induction into the 2015 SUNY Orange Colt Athletic 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 Paul Rickard upon the occasion of his induction into the 2015 SUNY
Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame, which was celebrated at a ceremony
held on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Kuhl's Highland House, Middle-
town, New York; and
WHEREAS, The SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes those
distinguished individuals, who, through outstanding achievement in
athletics or service, have made lasting contributions to its sports
program and the overall community; and
WHEREAS, For the past 35 years, Paul Rickard has been a prominent
fixture at SUNY Orange and has served as both a professor and a coach;
and
WHEREAS, This esteemed educator and sports mentor has taught mathemat-
ics since 1980, and has coached the men's basketball team for 25 years,
guiding the Colts to 323 wins and a multitude of regional and conference
championships; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Coach Paul Rickard led the SUNY Orange Colts to a
23-8 record, a district championship and the program's first ever
appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division
II National Championship Tournament; he was also named the 2006 NJCAA
Division II Coach of the Year in District 9; and
WHEREAS, Under Coach Paul Rickard's illustrious tenure, his teams have
won the Region XV Sportsmanship Award numerous times, and many of his
players have been named to All-Conference, All-Region and All-American
teams; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Paul Rickard served as coach of the SUNY Orange
Golf Team for 32 years, leading his players to many trips to the
National Golf Tournament until his retirement in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Coaches like Paul Rickard provide a tremendous service to the
future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of student-ath-
letes in their athletic journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Paul Rickard has clearly been an inspiration to the youth of
SUNY Orange, as well as to the community-at-large, and accordingly
merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication to others;
and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Paul Rickard has clearly made a contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his school; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Paul Rickard upon the occasion of his induction into the
2015 SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Rickard.