LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Conklin upon the occasion of his
induction into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame

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
Robert Conklin upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater Utica
Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at
Harts Hill Inn, Whitesboro, New York; and
WHEREAS, West Utica native Robert Conklin, affectionately known as
Bob, enters the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame in the Pre-Modern
Athlete category; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the Utica Free Academy football squads from
1951 to 1954, Bob Conklin was stellar; he was selected as the team's top
man in both 1953 and 1954, and was named Captain of the team in his
senior season; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, during that time, Bob Conklin was also an inte-
gral part of the school's track team where he was selected top man in
1954, the same year he secured the Section III Class A Discus Champion-
ship; and
WHEREAS, Bob Conklin went on to play football at Colgate University;
he began as a member of the freshman team and then was named starting
guard and linebacker as a sophomore, positions he would hold until his
playing days were over; he was named Captain of the team in 1958; and
WHEREAS, A three-year letterman, Bob Conklin was named a UPI Honorable
Mention All-American in 1958; he also lettered three times in track and
field at Colgate University and participated against Jim Brown in both
football and track and field; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, Bob Conklin started the football program at Notre
Dame High School in Utica, New York, where he coached until 1967; he
also served as the school's track Coach from 1963 to 1968, and went on
to coach football at Utica Free Academy from 1968 to 1976; and
WHEREAS, Bob Conklin spent his illustrious career teaching in the
science department at both Notre Dame and Utica Free Academy where his
steadfast and unwavering commitment to his athletes and students was
always evident; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all members of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert Conklin upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater
Utica Sports Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Conklin.