LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Jo Cerqua upon the occasion of
being named a 2013 national Coach of the Year

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those nota-
ble educators and athletic coaches within our midst who serve the youth
of this great Empire State and who have distinguished themselves and
their schools through their exemplary athletic achievements and their
outstanding commitment to education; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Coach Mary Jo Cerqua, a long-time girls volleyball coach at Baldwins-
ville Central High School, for being named a 2013 National Coach of the
Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations; Coach
Cerqua is one of just 21 high school coaches nationwide to receive this
honor for the 2012-2013 school year; and
WHEREAS, The National Federation of State High School Associations, a
national leadership organization for high school sports and performing
arts, has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982;
awards are presented to coaches who demonstrate high standards for
sportsmanship and ethical conduct; and
WHEREAS, Coach Mary Jo Cerqua, who has served as the Baldwinsville
Central School District's girls varsity volleyball coach since 1990, has
attained an impressive overall career record that includes 459 wins, 17
conference championships, 15 district championships, and 13 team
regional championships; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Coach Mary Jo Cerqua led the Baldwinsville Girls
Volleyball Team to the 2013 Class AA State Championship; in the fall of
2012, the team was the state championship runner-up; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure, Coach Mary Jo Cerqua has received several
additional accolades for her coaching excellence, including Section 3
Coach of the Year and State Coach of the Year; she celebrated 450 Wins
as a coach on October 1, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Coach Mary Jo Cerqua has been instrumental in launching
numerous clubs and programs within the Baldwinsville Central School
District, such as 6th and 7th Grade Volleyball Intramurals, 6th, 7th and
8th Grade Volleyball Clinics, and various volleyball camps that are held
throughout the school year; she also has remained active in various
community organizations, such as the Baldwinsville Girls Volleyball
Booster Club, the CNY Blast Volleyball Club and Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Walk; and
WHEREAS, Coach Mary Jo Cerqua's positive demeanor, enthusiastic
approach to teaching, selfless commitment, and concern for her student
athletes have contributed to her enduring success as a coach and mentor
in the Baldwinsville Central School District, earning her the just
respect of her community and the State of New York; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
hereby recognize Coach Mary Jo Cerqua upon the occasion of being named a
2013 National Coach of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coach Mary Jo Cerqua.