Senate Resolution No. 5487

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Thomas E. Pugh upon the occasion of being
inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July
29, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
Thomas E. Pugh upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports
Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at the Inn at the Beeches, Rome,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Four-year-old Thomas E. Pugh and his family moved from
Roanoke, Virginia to Rome, New York to be closer to family; he attended
Harvey E. Alter School and then Clough Elementary, where he was
introduced to football and basketball; and

WHEREAS, A three-year starter for Rome Free Academy, Thomas E. Pugh
was a brutal blocker and a pile-driving runner in his capacity as both
fullback and tailback; and

WHEREAS, As a senior in 1984, Thomas E. Pugh rushed for 1,537 yards,
averaging 5.7 yards per carry and scored 16 touchdowns as RFA won the
Section Three Football Championship; in this Carrier Dome title game, a
14-13 win over ESM, he rushed for 139 yards; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Thomas E. Pugh was recognized by the
Syracuse Herald as the Central New York Player of the Year, and was also
named first team All-State running back; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Pugh was a veritable ramrod who was instrumental
in leading Wagner College to some of its all-time best football seasons;
and

WHEREAS, With Thomas E. Pugh in the backfield, the Seahawks posted a
13-1 season on their way to the NCAA Division Two National Championship;
the two previous years, he and his teammates were ECAC League Champions;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious college football career, Thomas
E. Pugh started each of his four years; his teams went 39-7 as he
rushed for 1,883 yards and 26 touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, After earning a degree from Wagner College, Thomas E. Pugh
returned to Rome, New York, to work for the Oneida County Sheriff's
Department; nearly three decades, this extraordinary man continues to
serve as a Deputy in its Forensic Unit; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Thomas E. Pugh has served as a
volunteer Valentine league basketball coach, AYSO soccer coach and the
head coach for the Rome Select basketball team; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, fellow RFA graduate
Jerilyn Scales, and their two daughters, who have all shown him love and
support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas E. Pugh upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame on July 29, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas E. Pugh.