LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Carson Cunningham upon the occasion
of his induction into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame on June 8,
2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
Carson Cunningham upon the occasion of his induction into the Greater
Utica Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at
the Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre, Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, A 1975 graduate of New Hartford High School, John Carson
Cunningham has been a part of New Hartford athletics for more than 40
years; he graduated from Herkimer County Community College in 1977 with
an Associate's degree in Physical Education, and continued on to receive
his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland in 1979;
and
WHEREAS, John Carson Cunningham served as Assistant Coach for the New
Hartford Central School District's Varsity Hockey Team from 1979 until
1990, as well as the team's Head Coach from 1990 to 2014; and
WHEREAS, During his 25 year tenure as Head Coach of the New Hartford
High School Hockey Team, he was instrumental in clinching 11 League
Titles, seven Sectional Titles, and three State Titles, as well as 335
wins, 193 losses, and 28 ties; and
WHEREAS, John Carson Cunningham served on the Section III Ice Hockey
Committee for 25 years, 10 of which he was the Section III Hockey Chair-
man; in addition, he served on the New York State Ice Hockey Committee
for 28 years, 27 of which he was the Site Chairman, NYSPHS Championships
in Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, With a passion for athletics, John Carson Cunningham has also
served New Hartford Central School District as its Girls Gymnastics
Assistant Coach, Modified Track Head Coach, Modified Football Assistant
Coach, and Modified Baseball Head Coach; and
WHEREAS, John Carson Cunningham has coached the Girls Varsity Softball
Team since 1983; during this time his teams have captured 12 League
Titles, six Sectional Titles, and one New York State Regional Title, as
well as 436 wins, 231 losses and one tie; and
WHEREAS, While coaching Girls Varsity Softball, John Carson Cunningham
also served for five years as League Chairman for the Central Oneida
League, and 15 years as League Chairman for the Tri-Valley League; and
WHEREAS, John Carson Cunningham is the proud recipient of the 2009
Section III Service Award, as well as the 2009 and 2010 New York State
High School Hockey Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lynette, and their
three children, Carson, Kacie and Kyle, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and 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 Carson Cunningham upon the occasion of his induction into the
Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame on June 8, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Carson Cunningham.