The New York State Senate

J2834

Senate Resolution No. 2834

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING Ray Lawson upon the occasion of
being named Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year for
New York State by US Track and Field and Cross
Country Coaches Association

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New
York is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those
individuals whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of our
student athletes; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Ray Lawson upon the occasion of being named Boys Cross
Country Coach of the Year for New York State by US Track and Field and
Cross Country Coaches Association; and

WHEREAS, As the Corning Hawks Cross Country Head Coach, Ray Lawson
led the Corning Boys Cross Country Team to a New York State Championship
in November of 2016 for the first time in school history, and won the
fifth consecutive Southern Tier Athletic Conference title and Section IV
title for Corning; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the team's excellence on the course, Ray
Lawson's boys and girls teams both earned academic All-Star honors for
the fall season, which requires a combined academic average of 90 or
better from at least 75 percent of the roster; and

WHEREAS, In 2021, under the able leadership of Coach Ray Lawson, the
Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams captured the Southern Tier Athletic
Conference Championships, the Section IV Championships, and the Class A
State Championships; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Jack Gregorski won Cross Country States and
qualified for individual Nationals, and his daughter, Sarah Lawson,
earned a spot on the podium at States; and

WHEREAS, Ray Lawson's positive demeanor, selfless commitment, and
caring concern have contributed to his enduring success as a coach and
mentor, earning him the just respect and admiration of his community,
his peers, and the athletes he has so ably coached; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Coach Ray Lawson has shown to
not only the Hawks Cross Country program, but to the Corning-Painted
Post Area School District at large; his commitment to bettering the
lives and skills of all those who he has coached, is truly exemplary and
shall be applauded by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ray Lawson upon the occasion of being named Boys Cross

Country Coach of the Year for New York State by US Track and Field and
Cross Country Coaches Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Coach Ray Lawson.