Senate Resolution No. 801

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Randy J. Williams upon the occasion of
being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame

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
Randy J. Williams upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at a Ceremony on Sunday, August 1,
2021; and

WHEREAS, Every year, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame publicly commends
the pursuit of athletic excellence, recognizes those who have excelled,
and strives to preserve Rome's rich athletic heritage; Randy J. Williams
is truly deserving of this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, Randy J. Williams grew up in the Town of Lee in Oneida
County where he loved to play backyard sports with his friends; later,
he played soccer and American Legion baseball, and was a standout
basketball player at Rome Free Academy; he was an All-Time, All-Star
defender, and in 1974, he was the recipient of the Black R Award for
both soccer and baseball; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Randy developed the Williams' Strategy:
"The key to the game (and any game for that matter) is DEFENSE. If the
other team doesn't score, you can't lose"; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Randy J. Williams became a two-sport
scholar athlete at Hamilton College, excelling at soccer and football;
he participated in the punt, pass and kick competition, kicked for the
football team, and became a low handicap golfer; and

WHEREAS, After college, Randy J. Williams earned his law degree and
moved with his future wife to Indiana, where he coached elite youth
soccer for more than 15 years; his teams won two state championships, 13
league titles and eight tournaments; along the way, he also coached his
two children to All-State honors; and

WHEREAS, Today, Randy J. Williams serves as a Superior Court Judge
for Tippecanoe County, Indiana; and

WHEREAS, Randy J. Williams has clearly made a contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his Rome community; 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 Randy J. Williams upon the occasion of being inducted into the
Rome Sports Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Randy J. Williams.