J 914: Honoring Perry Nizzi upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to Hamilton College

 Senate Resolution No. 914 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Perry Nizzi upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to Hamilton College WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Perry Nizzi upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to Hamilton College on Monday, June 30, 2025; and WHEREAS, For the past 28 years, Perry Nizzi rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable service to Hamilton College; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as head coach of the Hamilton College men's soccer team and as a physical education instructor, Perry Nizzi always served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and WHEREAS, Hired at Hamilton College in 1997, Perry Nizzi spent 26 seasons with the Continentals, posting a commendable record of 211-146-48, including a team-record 12 wins in 2001; his teams also reached double figures in wins an impressive eight times; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, in his 17 years as the head coach at Herkimer College from 1981 to 1997, Perry Nizzi's teams won 291 matches, giving him a total of 502 victories in 43 seasons between the two schools; and WHEREAS, Perry Nizzi coached an all-American and 23 all-region team picks, and since 2011, had 16 all-New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) selections; and WHEREAS, This esteemed and respected coach has led Hamilton teams to much success with 17 trips to the postseason including five NCAA Division III championship appearances; he also received the 2016 NESCAC Coach of the Year designation, guiding the Continentals to the conference championship final that same year; and WHEREAS, Perry Nizzi led the men's soccer team to Liberty League tournament titles in 2004 and 2007, and regular season crowns in 2000 and 2006; in 2000, Hamilton College advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals and was ranked 16th in the final Division III coaches poll; and WHEREAS, In Perry Nizzi's last year as coach, the men's soccer team received an at-large bid to the NCAA championship and defeated Calvin University 3-2 in the first round and tied Kenyon College 2-2 in the second round before Kenyon advanced on penalty kicks; the Hamilton team's final overall record was 8-6-4; and WHEREAS, A member of five halls of fame, including Rome Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame, NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame, Herkimer College Athletic Hall of Fame and SUNY Cortland's C-Club Hall of Fame, Perry Nizzi has demonstrated excellence in all facets of his life of service and in his storied career; and WHEREAS, Regarded for his unique coaching style, his ability to foster intensely focused and remarkably jovial teams, as well as for his discipline and strong work ethic across the positions held during his tenure, Perry Nizzi's historic legacy will remain as a testament to superlative athletic and professional achievement; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, Perry Nizzi was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with Hamilton College, Perry Nizzi earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Perry Nizzi upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Perry Nizzi.