Senate Resolution No. 384

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

COMMENDING Coach John Faller upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished
service to the Sweet Home High School Varsity
Football Team and the Boys Lacrosse Team

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the distinguished 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
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Coach John Faller upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of distinguished service to the Sweet Home High School Football
Team and the Boys Lacrosse Team; and

WHEREAS, A congenial leader and seasoned tactician, John Faller's
positive demeanor, selfless commitment and caring concern have
contributed to his unparalleled success as a coach and mentor, earning
him the just respect and admiration of the school, his peers and the
athletes he has so ably coached; and

WHEREAS, Every weekend for the past three decades, legendary
Panthers' Head Varsity Football Coach John Faller could be seen pacing
the sidelines at the Sweet Home High School football game; he has
proudly coached football at some level since 1974; and

WHEREAS, A native of Rochester, New York, John Faller played running
back for Greece-Arcadia High School; after graduation, he played the
same position at the University of Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, John Faller proudly served his country as a member of the
United States Army for two years; after his discharge, he was hired as a
Physical Education Teacher at Sweet Home High School in 1974; in that
same year, he started coaching football as an Assistant Modified Coach,
while also playing running back for six years with the Twin City
Geminis, an adult semi-pro team; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, John Faller went on to coach modified,
freshman and Junior Varsity football at Sweet Home High School; in 1986,
he took over the helm as Varsity Coach; and

WHEREAS, Unparalleled in his achievements as Sweet Home's Football
Coach, John Faller has led the Panthers to an incredible record of
217-84-1, ranking fourth all-time in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, Under the his exceptional leadership, the Panthers captured
16 division titles, eight Section VI Championships and two State
Championships; in addition, the team won 69 consecutive games against
Section VI opponents, including six consecutive sections titles from
2007-2012; and

WHEREAS, From 2008-2012, the Panthers only lost three games; a 2010
loss ended a 36-game unbeaten streak, which was the third-longest streak
in Western New York history and tied for fourth in the Nation; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Football Coach, John Faller also
led the Boys Lacrosse Team since its inception in 1976, minus one year
when he served as Athletic Director; and

WHEREAS, Under John Faller's leadership, the Sweet Home Boys
Lacrosse Team won six section titles; Coach Faller ranks second all-time
in the section in coaching wins with 372; and

WHEREAS, Well-respected for his abilities, John Faller held the
position of Section VI Boys Lacrosse Chairman from 1980-2014; and

WHEREAS, John Faller was a friend to everyone and always stayed true
to his beliefs, making the kids his number one priority; considered to
be an "old-school coach," he was always available to help his athletes
achieve their goals and dreams; and

WHEREAS, The balancing act between coaching sports and raising a
family can be difficult; John Faller was supported by his wife of 47
years, Barbara; his four children, Todd, Laura, Kara and Jenna; and his
seven grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to now record its
recognition and appreciation in honoring an outstanding educational
leader whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in
developing character and sportsmanship in youth, exemplifying the ideals
and values cherished by this great State and Nation; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Panthers Football and Lacrosse Team Coach John Faller, in
recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions on behalf
of Sweet Home High School; recognizing as well, the significance of his
long and distinguished career as a teacher, coach and mentor in serving
both the youth of his community and the student athletes of Sweet Home
High School; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Coach John Faller.