J 1170: Honoring Scott Parsons upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1170 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Scott Parsons 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 Scott Parsons upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and WHEREAS, A standout three-sport athlete at Rome Free Academy (RFA), Scott Parsons excelled in baseball, football, and track, establishing himself as one of the region's most promising young athletes and earning an invitation to attend the United States Naval Academy in 1982; and WHEREAS, Choosing instead to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball, Scott Parsons enrolled at Onondaga Community College to further develop his pitching skills; though his athletic aspirations were cut short by a career-ending shoulder injury, his passion for sports would soon evolve into a lifelong career in education and coaching; and WHEREAS, Committed to shaping future athletes and leaders, Scott Parsons earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and a master's degree from Elmira College, laying the foundation for what would become a legendary coaching and teaching career; and WHEREAS, In 1987, Scott Parsons was hired by Holland Patent Athletic Director Fran Lisewski as a physical education teacher and varsity baseball coach, a decision that would prove to be profoundly impactful for the school district and community; and WHEREAS, Over the course of 38 seasons leading the Holland Patent Golden Knights baseball program, Coach Parsons has amassed an extraordinary 531 victories, earned multiple Coach of the Year honors, and helped mold hundreds of student-athletes with his unwavering dedication and leadership; and WHEREAS, In addition to his legendary baseball career, Scott Parsons has contributed across the athletic spectrum, coaching varsity wrestling, tennis, football, and modified soccer at Holland Patent, and leading the football program to three sectional titles; he also coached varsity indoor track and field at his alma mater, RFA; and WHEREAS, A true competitor beyond the scholastic level, Scott Parsons continued his own playing career in men's slow-pitch softball, leading several teams to regional and state tournament championships, exemplifying a lifelong love for sport and team spirit; and WHEREAS, Scott Parsons's career is a shining example of resilience, reinvention, and service; though an early injury changed his personal athletic trajectory, he went on to make an even greater impact as a mentor, coach, and role model in the classroom and on the field; and WHEREAS, His induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame is a well-deserved tribute to a life defined by sportsmanship, community service, and excellence in athletic leadership; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Scott Parsons upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, recognizing his extraordinary contributions as a coach, educator, and athlete; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Scott Parsons.