Senate Resolution No. 328

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

HONORING the 1963 National Invitation Tournament
Canisius College Men's Basketball Team upon the
occasion of being inducted into the Canisius College
Sports Hall of Fame on February 26, 2017

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
the 1963 National Invitation Tournament Canisius College Men's
Basketball Team upon the occasion of being inducted into the Canisius
College Sports Hall of Fame to be celebrated on Sunday, February 26,
2017, at the Hall of Fame Day basketball game against Saint Peter's at
the Koessler Athletic Center, Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, The 1963 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Canisius
College Men's Basketball Team, coached by Canisius College Sports Hall
of Famer Bob MacKinnon, defeated Memphis State and Villanova, two
college teams with future National Basketball Association (NBA) players
Jim Washington and Wali Jones; and

WHEREAS, In the championship game, the Golden Griffins took on
Providence, whose lineup included John Thompson, future Coach at
Georgetown as well as Ray Flynn, future Mayor of Boston; the Golden
Griffins were defeated, 81-66, ending the longest NIT run in Canisius
College history; and

WHEREAS, Previously, four exceptional players of this remarkable
1963 team were honored and inducted into the Canisius College Sports
Hall of Fame including Billy O'Connor, Tom Chester, Frank Swiatek and
Patrick Turtle; and

WHEREAS, Team members who also appeared in the championship game
included Dick McClory, Tony Gennari, Tim O'Mara, John Kemmer, Joe
Bossert, Larry Hartigan, Jack Oberding and John Brennan; and

WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the 1963 National Invitation Tournament
Canisius College Men's Basketball Team, from the opening game of the
season to participation in the championship, were a brotherhood of
athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of scholarship,
demonstrating that these team players were truly second to none; and

WHEREAS, The 1963 Golden Griffins have been an inspiration to
countless basketball fans, as well as to the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for their tremendous passion
for the game and competitive spirit; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to

our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor the 1963 National
Invitation Tournament Canisius College Men's Basketball Team upon the
occasion of being inducted into the Canisius College Sports Hall of Fame
for their extraordinary accomplishments which were a tribute to the
team's skill, dedication and commitment; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the 1963 National Invitation Tournament Canisius College
Men's Basketball Team; its members: Joe Bossert, John Brennan, Tom
Chester, Tony Gennari, Larry Harrigan, John Kemmer, Dick McClory, Jack
Oberding, Billy O'Connor, Tim O'Mara, Frank Swiatek, Patrick Turtle; and
Coach Bob MacKinnon; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the aforementioned members of the 1963 National
Invitation Tournament Canisius College Men's Basketball Team and Coach
Bob MacKinnon.