Senate Resolution No. 5488

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Thomas W. Neidl posthumously upon the
occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame on July 29, 2018

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
Thomas W. Neidl posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted into
the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at the Inn at the
Beeches, Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, At just 12 years old, Thomas W. Neidl's stellar athletic
career began when he won the Rome Punt, Kick and Pass competition in
1970; and

WHEREAS, Thomas W. Neidl went on to be a star, three sport athlete
at Rome Catholic High School, a standout football player at SUNY
Cortland, and a physical education teacher and highly successful
football coach at Cazenovia High School for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as Cazenovia High School's Varsity
Football Coach, Thomas W. Neidl's team went 178-54-1, winning seven
Section Three titles and more than a dozen league championships; he also
served with great distinction and integrity on the Section Three
football committee for more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS, A terrific family man and honorable citizen, Thomas W.
Neidl was married to his high school sweetheart, Lynn Baker, for 38
years at the time of his death in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Having taught physical education to children in
Kindergarten through fourth grade for his entire career, Thomas W. Neidl
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a
legacy to the students of Burton Street Elementary School and to the
residents of the Cazenovia community; and

WHEREAS, An outstanding athlete, coach and teacher, Thomas W. Neidl
was truly idolized by his friends, his family and especially by his
fellow coaches who all agree they learned a great deal from him, making
them all better coaches and better people by his conduct, temperament
and professionalism; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Lynn, Thomas W. Neidl is survived
by his son, Terry, who remembers his father as an amazing man and a
great mentor; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to

our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas W. Neidl posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted
into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 29, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas W. Neidl.