Senate Resolution No. 803

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Vern "JR" Purrington 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
Vern "JR" Purrington 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; Vern Purrington
is truly deserving of this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, Vern Purrington was a hockey player extraordinaire for
Coach Bill Fleet at Rome Catholic High School, and North Country
Community College in Saranac Lake, where he was inducted into its Hall
of Fame; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional athlete, Vern Purrington was a positive
force on Rome Catholic High School's (RCH) football, baseball and
lacrosse teams; however, hockey was the love of his life, and he could
often be found playing street hockey with his neighborhood pals or
organized hockey at the arena; and

WHEREAS, Vern Purrington had a great shot and could score from
anywhere on the ice, leading his team to many big victories; he was a
clutch player who always came through when it mattered the most; and

WHEREAS, During his senior year, Vern Purrington scored a
short-handed goal to give the Redwings a 3-2 win over Watertown High
School to win the sectional title, and during the New York State
Championship game, he got an assist to tie the game with six seconds
left to play, and then scored the winning goal 43 seconds into overtime
to give RCH its first ever New York State Championship; and

WHEREAS, Vern Purrington graduated from RCH in 1984, as the school's
all-time leading scorer with 133 goals and 98 assists to become Rome's
career top high school scorer; he then went on to enjoy a successful
hockey career at North Country Community College; and

WHEREAS, Later, Vern Purrington worked for the New York State
Department of Corrections; and

WHEREAS, Vern Purrington 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 Vern "JR" Purrington 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 Vern "JR" Purrington.