Senate Resolution No. 798

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING the 1981 Rome Free Academy Football Team
upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the Ellie Bruce Award for Exceptional Team
Excellence

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical
development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the
future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a
standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and
developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those outstanding athletes who inspired and brought pride
to their school and community by achieving outstanding success in
competition, 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 1981 Rome Free Academy Football Team upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the Ellie Bruce Award for Exceptional Team
Excellence, to be celebrated at a Ceremony on Sunday, August 1, 2021;
and

WHEREAS, The 1981 Rome Free Academy Football Team will always be
remembered as one of the best in the school's history; under the able
guidance of Coach Tom Hoke, a skilled and inspirational tutor, respected
for his ability to develop potential into excellence, the Black Knights
captured the New York State Championship in a decisive 22-6 victory
against West Genesee High School; and

WHEREAS, In addition, several players made All-League, Sectional and
State All-Star teams; and

WHEREAS, Much of the 1981 team's success was forged in the weight
room during the previous summer and during the regular season; a true
team of brothers, who had played together since 7th grade, the athletes
worked and played hard, and did everything the coaches asked of them and
more; and

WHEREAS, Gifted athletes, the 1981 Rome Free Academy Football Team
proved themselves to be an unbeatable combination of athletic and
academic talents, whose character and achievements stand as a sterling
example and inspiration to all who would aspire to success; and

WHEREAS, Loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans,
friends and the community at large, the 1981 Rome Free Academy Football
Team clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which
became a tradition at their school; and


WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 the 1981 Rome Free Academy Football Team upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the Ellie Bruce Award for Exceptional Team
Excellence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the 1981 Rome Free Academy Football Team
and Coach Tom Hoke.