J 1167: Honoring Justin Davis upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1167 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Justin Davis upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025 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 Justin Davis upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and WHEREAS, Justin Davis is the proud product of a family steeped in athletic and coaching excellence; his father, Mike Davis, was a three-sport standout at Rome Free Academy (RFA) and long-time football coach, while his mother, Debbie Davis, devoted many years to coaching junior high school track and field; and WHEREAS, Raised on the sidelines, Justin Davis absorbed the values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership from an early age, which he put into action as a three-sport varsity athlete at RFA, lettering in football, hockey, and baseball; and WHEREAS, On the football field, Justin Davis was a three-year starter who set an RFA school record for career interceptions (16), earned the prestigious Black R, and was named one of New York State's Top 50 players in 1996 after leading the Black Knights to a state championship game appearance; and WHEREAS, Equally accomplished on the ice, Justin Davis served as co-captain of the hockey team and was a two-time leading scorer who earned All-League honors for his performance and leadership; and WHEREAS, His outstanding high school career earned him a football scholarship to the University of Maine, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker and a three-time recipient of the team's academic achievement award, exemplifying excellence in both athletics and academics; and WHEREAS, After graduating in 2000, Justin Davis transitioned to coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at Wagner College and Louisiana Tech where he earned his master's degree before going on to serve as an assistant at the University of Toledo; and WHEREAS, In 2008, Justin Davis joined the coaching staff at the United States Naval Academy, where over the course of 12 seasons he played an instrumental role in the success of the Midshipmen football program, coaching various defensive units and serving as one of the program's top recruiters; and WHEREAS, During his tenure at Navy, the team experienced one of its most successful eras, with 10 bowl game appearances, victories over rival Army, a dramatic triple-overtime win over Notre Dame, and multiple Top 25 national rankings, all underscoring his effectiveness as both a strategist and mentor; and WHEREAS, Justin Davis has brought great credit to his alma mater, his hometown, and the many young athletes he has guided over the years, and his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame is a well-earned recognition of a life dedicated to sportsmanship, leadership, and excellence; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Justin Davis upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, applauding his remarkable athletic accomplishments, coaching achievements, and continued commitment to the values of teamwork and service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Justin Davis.