Senate Resolution No. 329

BY: Senator PALUMBO

HONORING Wallace Wilson III upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the New York State
High School Football Coaches Association 12th Man
Award

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
Wallace Wilson III upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the New York State High School Football Coaches Association 12th Man
Award, to be celebrated at the Section XI Dinner on Friday, February 3,
2023, in Verona, New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State High School Football Coaches Association
12th Man Award is given to an athlete who overcomes adversity or medical
hardship, something Wallace Wilson III has seen a lot of since his
freshmen year of high school; and

WHEREAS, A Longwood High School football player, Wallace Wilson III
was diagnosed with Graves' Disease, a rare autoimmune disorder that
affects the thyroid, when he was just 14 years old after his legs began
to lock up during a summer workout; he will be honored with this
esteemed award for his perseverance, years after being told he might
never walk again; and

WHEREAS, Due to this disease and his temporary paralysis, Wallace
Wilson III had to relearn how to walk as a freshman in high school; he
went to rehab and pushed himself to get back to where he was, all while
trying different medications, some of which made him tired and weak; it
was during this time, Wally made peace with the fact he may never play
football again; and

WHEREAS, Over the next year, Wallace Wilson III overcame much
adversity and regained his ability to walk, found the right medication
to regulate his thyroid and his body, and battled back with the goal of
playing football, the game he has played since sixth grade; and

WHEREAS, During his junior year, just 18 months after not being able
to walk, Wallace Wilson III worked himself back into the starting
lineup, started all eight games on the defensive side of the ball, and
established himself as one of the best linemen in Division 1 football;
and

WHEREAS, Today, as a senior, Wallace Wilson III has made the
extraordinary move to the offensive line of the ball, where he blocks
for one of the best rushing attacks in the county; a truly humble and
remarkable young man, he amassed 27 pancake blocks, and is a vocal
leader on the line; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, just playing the game of football after the
type of situation Wally has gone through would be a huge accomplishment
in itself; to start and play how he has played in the trenches after
relearning to walk makes him nothing short of incredible; and

WHEREAS, Wallace Wilson III committed to SUNY Cortland where he will
continue to play football and major in special education; and

WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Wallace Wilson III has become a role
model in society as well as the sport of football; his character and
achievements stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who
would aspire to greatness; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Wallace Wilson III upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the New York State High School Football Coaches Association
12th Man Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wallace Wilson III.