Senate Resolution No. 1338

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING John Walsh upon the occasion of being
inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July
30, 2023

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
John Walsh upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame on Sunday, July 30, 2023; 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; John Walsh is
truly deserving of this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, As a young man, John Walsh participated in multiple sports
activities, including basketball and baseball; and

WHEREAS, As an RFA graduate, John Walsh specialized in several
events in indoor and outdoor track, as he was a very successful
sprinter, distance runner, and jumper; his love of hard work and
competition kept him focused throughout an outstanding high school
career, setting a myriad of records that still stand today; and

WHEREAS, Continuing his academic and athletic career, John Walsh
went to Syracuse University for two years, where he tied the school high
jump record; he then attended Alfred State University where his success
continued for three more years, and he started training for the
Decathlon his senior year; and

WHEREAS, After college, John Walsh continued to train with the goal
of making the Olympics, persevering for seven years with a very
demanding job and lengthy, daily training routines; although he didn't
make the Olympic team, John learned many valuable lessons from his
experience; and

WHEREAS, John Walsh has continued to share his experience by
volunteering as a track coach at Naples High School for the past 10
years, coaching pole vault, and high jump; he enjoys working with the
kids to achieve their goals and learn the value of hard work; and

WHEREAS, Active with the Roman Runners, John Walsh was a Section 3
Indoor and Outdoor High Jump Track Champion and was also a member of the
Empire State Games team, where he placed first in the high jump and
second in the Decathlon in 1979; and

WHEREAS, As a testament to his dedication to being an athlete, in
2005, John Walsh was inducted into the Alfred State Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, John Walsh 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 John Walsh upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame on July 30, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Walsh.