Senate Resolution No. 2687

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Paul Della Villa upon the occasion of his
induction into the Schenectady City School District
Athletic Hall of Fame on September 11, 2017

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
Paul Della Villa upon the occasion of his induction into the Schenectady
City School District Athletic Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at its 20th
Annual Hall of Fame and Reunion Dinner on Monday, September 11, 2017, at
Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady, New York; and

WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa is an esteemed graduate of Mont Pleasant
High School, where he distinguished himself by his many notable
achievements in football, holding numerous high school and college
records; and

WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa played football at Mont Pleasant High
School for Athletic Hall of Fame members Larry Mulvaney and Tony Parisi,
and ran track for Hall of Famer Ray Vacca; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional athlete, Paul Della Villa began his
successful run as the hero of the football team when he scored a pivotal
touchdown when Mont Pleasant High School upset undefeated Linton High
School 14-13 on Election Day in 1962, making it one of the most
thrilling games in the history of cross-town football rivalry; and

WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa continued his incredible scoring streak
when he scored eight touchdowns as a junior, and five touchdowns in one
game versus Kingston High School in 1963; and

WHEREAS, In that same year, Paul Della Villa led the Patriots to the
Class "A" League football title, scoring 16 touchdowns, including runs
of 15, 16, 24, 30, 46, 59, 59 and 76 yards, receptions of 51 and 52
yards, kickoff returns for touchdowns of 86 and 91 yards, and an
exciting score on a 62-yard interception return; and

WHEREAS, In 1963 Paul Della Villa was named the Schenectady County
Scoring Champion with an incredible 96 points; in addition, he was the
recipient of the Thom McAn Bronze Shoe Award, and was selected as the
Union Star Player of the Year and a First Team Five-County All-Star; and

WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa continued his illustrious football career
at Boston College; during his freshman year, he was named an
All-American Running Back by Coach and Athlete Magazine, and the Section
II 220-yard Champion; and

WHEREAS, After being injured for most of his sophomore year, Paul
Della Villa came back to lead the team in scoring in 1966; throughout

his career at Boston College, he recorded a total of eight touchdowns,
and averaged 3.8 yards per carry and 17.2 yards per reception; in
November of 1968, he was selected to the ECAC Division I All-East Weekly
Team; and

WHEREAS, After college, Paul Della Villa played professional
football for the Quincy Giants, the Boston (New England) Patriots farm
team; in 1969, he earned the title of the Most Valuable Offensive
Player; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being inducted into the Schenectady City
School District Athletic Hall of Fame, Paul Della Villa is a member of
both the Mont Pleasant Hall of Fame and the Capital Region Football Hall
of Fame; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Paul Della Villa;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Paul Della Villa
for his extraordinary athletic accomplishments which are a tribute to
his skill, dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations with
praise and pride to honor Paul Della Villa upon the occasion of his
induction into the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of
Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Paul Della Villa, and the Schenectady City School
District Athletic Hall of Fame.