Senate Resolution No. 4132

BY: Senator BONACIC

CONGRATULATING Coach Robert Gravelle upon the
occasion of his induction into the New York State
Basketball Hall of Fame on March 25, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes and coaches 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
congratulate Coach Robert Gravelle upon the occasion of his induction
into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at a
Ceremony on Sunday, March 25, 2018, in Heritage Hall at the Glens Falls
Civic Center in Glens Falls, New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Basketball Hall of Fame honors the best
coaches in the history of basketball in the State; Robert Gravelle is
truly deserving of this esteemed recognition; and

WHEREAS, Robert Gravelle grew up in northern New York where he
attended Chazy Central Rural School; he was an exceptional athlete, and
was named to the MVAC All-Star teams in both baseball and basketball;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Robert Gravelle continued to play
outstanding baseball at SUNY Cobleskill; he went on to earn his teaching
degree from SUNY Plattsburgh; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Robert Gravelle began coaching JV
baseball at S.S. Seward Institute; he then coached modified basketball
and served as a substitute teacher; the following September, he was
hired to teach Grade 3 at Golden Hill; and

WHEREAS, For 23 years, Robert Gravelle has served as the Head Coach
of the S.S. Seward Institute Varsity Boys Basketball team; throughout
his distinguished career, he has worked hard to hone the skills of his
teams, teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove
invaluable both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, Robert Gravelle is widely regarded by players and coaches
as a passionate, dedicated and inspirational coach, leading the S.S.
Seward Spartans to a career record of 377-122; under his tutelage, the
Varsity Boys Basketball Teams have had 21 winning seasons, reached the
Section 9 tournament in every season, won 17 division titles in the
Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association, eight sectional
titles, and captured the 2003 New York State Class D Championship; and

WHEREAS, Coach Gravelle truly loves and cares about each and every
one of his athletes, and has diligently worked to not only teach them
basketball skills, but also, the values of good sportsmanship; in 2017,
the S.S. Seward Varsity Boys Basketball Team was recognized for this

commendable attribute by the Orange County Basketball Officials
Association, a program first; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the sport, Robert Gravelle is a vital member
of the Section 9 board; in this capacity, he has coordinated numerous
sectional games; and

WHEREAS, Through his humor and passion, Robert Gravelle has been an
inspiration to basketball players, their families, and the community for
23 years, and accordingly merits recognition for his tremendous passion
and competitive spirit; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all members of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Robert Gravelle upon the occasion on his induction into the
New York State Basketball Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robert Gravelle.