Senate Resolution No. 391

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Joseph T. White for his many years of
dedicated service as both a Basketball and a Cross
Country Coach on January 14, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Joseph T.
White for his many years of dedicated service as both a Basketball and a
Cross Country Coach, celebrated at his 85th Birthday Party on Saturday,
January 14, 2017, at the Celtic Harp in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Joseph T. White, affectionately known as Joe, grew up in
North Utica, New York; after high school, he played basketball and
baseball at UCA; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 35, Joe T. White began his illustrious career
at St. Peter's Grammar School coaching both track and cross country; in
the 1970s, his basketball teams dominated the old Catholic Youth
Organization (CYO) League, winning the City of Utica Championship in
1972-1973; and

WHEREAS, After 15 years at St. Peter's Grammar School, Joe T. White
began working at Notre Dame High School, coaching the Boys Varsity
Basketball Team; and

WHEREAS, In 12 years as Head Coach, Joe T. White posted a 175-88
record, finishing his career as the winningest coach in Juggler history
up to that point; and

WHEREAS, Coach White's teams won five Central Oneida League (COL)
titles, four Tri-Valley League (TVL) titles and four Section II titles;
his 1991-1992 team made the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association's Final Four, and his 1984-1985 team was named the Western
Regional Runner-Up; and

WHEREAS, Joe T. White 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, For his unparalleled success as a coach and mentor, Joe T.
White was named COL Coach of the Year three times, and TVL Coach of the
Year four times throughout his magnificent career; and

WHEREAS, Joe T. White was also inducted into both the St. Peter's
Hall of Fame and the Notre Dame/Brother More Athletic Hall of Fame; in
addition, he was the recipient of several awards including the Friend of
St. Peter Award and the Notre Dame Award; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Joe T. White found time to
serve as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Maynard Fire Department; for
the last 45 years, he has actively worked to provide the best possible
emergency service to the people of Oneida County; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 62, Joe T. White retired from his much loved
coaching job, and from his position as Supervisor with the New York
State Office of Mental Health, a title he held for four decades; and

WHEREAS, Joe T. White and his wife of 58 years, Mary Lou, are the
proud parents of six children and 11 grandchildren; together the couple
founded the Marian Club at Notre Dame High School; through their
enthusiastic efforts, the Club has awarded numerous scholarships to
worthy students; and

WHEREAS, Joe T. White'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; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Joseph T. White for his many years of dedicated service as a
Basketball Coach as well as a Cross Country Coach; and to wish him a
very Happy 85th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph T. White.