LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating John Basalyga, Class of 1970, upon
the occasion of his induction into the 2015 SUNY Orange Colt Athletic
Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose exceptional athletic prowess leaves an enduring legacy in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late John Basalyga, Class of 1970, upon the occasion of his induction
into the 2015 SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame, which was cele-
brated at a ceremony held on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Kuhl's High-
land House, Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, The SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes those
distinguished individuals, who, through outstanding achievement in
athletics or service, have made lasting contributions to its sports
program and the overall community; and
WHEREAS, John Basalyga, a member of the Class of 1970, was a two-year
standout for the SUNY Orange Men's Baseball Team during the 1969 and
1970 seasons; and
WHEREAS, A prolific hitter, John Basalyga led his team in batting
average and slugging percentage with a .353 average and a .549 slugging
percentage during the 1969 season; and
WHEREAS, In addition, John Basalyga was a versatile catcher/first
baseman who recorded the second highest number of putouts in 1969; he
was also named to both the All-Mid-Hudson Conference and All-Region
teams, and played one year of soccer as goalie on the school team; and
WHEREAS, After finishing school, John Basalyga enjoyed an outstanding
career as a soccer coach at Turpin High School in Cincinnati, Ohio; he
compiled a 325-93-58 record over 24 seasons, with 22 consecutive winning
seasons and 15 sectional championships; and
WHEREAS, For the past 12 years, John Basalyga has ably served as the
soccer coach at Northern Kentucky University, where he has compiled a
152-68-30 record and guided the Norse to the NCAA Division II National
Championship in 2010 and Division I status in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, this exceptional leader is the winningest coach in
the history of Northern Kentucky University, and the first baseball
player to be inducted into the SUNY Orange Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Athletes and Coaches like John Basalgya provide a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
student-athletes in their athletic journeys and ensuring their success
in their future years; and
WHEREAS, John Basalgya has clearly been an inspiration to the youth of
SUNY Orange, as well as to the community-at-large, and accordingly
merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication to others;
and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and John Basalgya has clearly made a contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his school; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate John Basalgya, Class of 1970, upon the occasion of his
induction into the 2015 SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Basalgya.