LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Head Coach Tom Pugh upon the occasion
of his retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to the Holy
Cross High School Varsity Football Team

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend notable
educators and athletic coaches who serve the youth of this great Empire
State and who have distinguished themselves and their schools through
outstanding commitment and exemplary athletic achievement; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those
outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have
been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the
young people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Head Coach Tom Pugh upon the occasion of his retirement after 42 years
of distinguished service to the Holy Cross High School Varsity Football
Team; he officially announced his retirement on Friday, February 6,
2015; and
WHEREAS, A legendary signal caller, Tom Pugh possesses one of the most
storied coaching careers in Queens Borough history; and
WHEREAS, As a young man, Tom Pugh played football at Elmont High
School and at Emporia State University in Kansas; he went on to coach
for four years with Chaminade as the Assistant Coach before becoming
Head Coach at Holy Cross High School in 1973; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Knights, this remarkable leader
recorded 215 career victories, including the 1977 New York Catholic High
School Football League Championship; and
WHEREAS, Throughout more than four decades in coaching, Tom Pugh has
guided and mentored countless players who have gone on to enjoy success-
ful collegiate and professional careers; and
WHEREAS, Tom Pugh will continue to help young people achieve success
as a Guidance Counselor at Holy Cross High School; he will also remain
in his position as Vice President of the New York Catholic High School
Football League; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Catholic High School Athletic Association's
Hall of Fame, Tom Pugh has received numerous accolades for his many
notable accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Tom Pugh's positive demeanor, selfless commitment, and caring
concern have contributed to his enduring success as a coach and mentor,
earning him the just respect and admiration of his community, his peers,
and the athletes he has so ably coached; and
WHEREAS, Coach Tom Pugh has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of the Holy Cross High School, as well as on the community-at-
large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impres-
sive dedication to others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Holy Cross High School Varsity Football Coach Tom Pugh upon the
occasion of his retirement after 42 distinguished years in coaching; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coach Tom Pugh.