Senate Resolution No. 1342

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Jeff Skibitski 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
Jeff Skibitski 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; Jeff Skibitski is
truly deserving of this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Rome, New York, Jeff Skibitski attended
Rome Catholic High School where he reached All-Star status in football,
basketball, and baseball; and

WHEREAS, In football, Jeff Skibitski led the Red Wings to a pair of
league championships and one sectional title; his senior year, the team,
with Jeff as captain, finished 5-2-1, and he was named first team league
quarterback with 11 touchdowns and 1,139 yards, both school records; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Skibitski's junior and senior basketball teams both
won team titles; a three-year starter at shortstop, the Rome Catholic
High baseballers won two league championships; his junior year saw him
as a key player in a league title; as a senior, he was captain, the
leading scorer, and named all-league on a league championship team; and

WHEREAS, In baseball, Jeff Skibitski was a three-year starter at
shortstop; as a junior, the team won a league title, and as a senior
captain he was named all-league on another title team; this team went on
to garner sectional and regional titles; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Rome Catholic High and a brief stay
at the University of Buffalo, Jeff Skibitski transferred to Hamilton
College where he finished his career under former high school coach
Roman Mike Davis, amassing a record breaking four-year winning record;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Jeff Skibitski returned
to Rome Catholic High School to teach math and assist at Varsity
football; he then moved to Oneida High School where he taught math and
coached baseball and girls' basketball; in baseball, his teams compiled
a record of 175-135 with two Tri-Valley titles; in girls' basketball,
the team earned two league titles and two sectional titles; and

WHEREAS, A true family man, Jeff Skibitski had the joy of coaching
his daughters, Lexi and Lauren, at lower levels, where they won 11
sectional titles between them; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his storied coaching career and lifetime of
excellence, Jeff Skibitski, a skilled and inspirational tutor, is truly
respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; he has
been coaching at least one team each year for 35 years and counting; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his daughters, with him throughout has been
his wife, Jackie, who feels privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoices at his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Skibitski 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 Jeff Skibitski 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 Jeff Skibitski.