K 714: Honoring Josh Bartell upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025

 Assembly Resolution No. 714 BY: M. of A. Buttenschon HONORING Josh Bartell 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 Josh Bartell upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and WHEREAS, A multi-sport athlete at Rome Free Academy (RFA), Josh Bartell excelled in football, lacrosse, and track, but it was on the ice where he truly left his mark, launching a hockey career that spanned high school championships, collegiate triumphs, and professional opportunities; and WHEREAS, As a rugged 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman, Josh Bartell burst onto the scene as a freshman at RFA, helping lead the Black Knights to a perfect 25-0 season and the New York State Championship in 1988; and WHEREAS, Over the course of his four varsity seasons, Josh skated in two state title games, earned all-league honors twice, and developed under the guidance of highly respected coaches including Dick Meiss, Al Williams, Don Simon, and Peter Kieffer; and WHEREAS, On the day he graduated from RFA in June 1991, Josh Bartell was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League-a testament to his talent and potential; he chose to further his development with a post-graduate year at Northwood Prep before accepting a hockey scholarship to Clarkson University, continuing a family legacy begun by his uncle, Ross Bartell; and WHEREAS, At Clarkson, Josh Bartell played a key role in the Golden Knights' success, contributing to two ECAC Championships and three NCAA Division I tournament appearances, all while maintaining a strong commitment to academics and team leadership; and WHEREAS, After graduating in 1996, Josh Bartell attended the Flyers' camp and briefly joined their minor-league affiliate in Richmond, Virginia, before deciding to conclude his playing career and begin a new chapter in hockey through coaching and administration; and WHEREAS, Josh Bartell continued to support the game he loves by coaching with USA Hockey and providing radio commentary for Clarkson hockey games, before returning to his alma mater in 2016 as director of Cheel Arena; in 2019, he was promoted to assistant athletic director, where he now oversees hockey operations for both the men's and women's programs, shaping the next generation of student-athletes; and WHEREAS, Josh Bartell's lifelong contributions to hockey as a player, mentor, coach, and administrator have had a lasting impact on both the Rome and Clarkson communities, earning him a well-deserved place in the Rome Sports Hall of Fame; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Josh Bartell upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, in recognition of his exceptional athletic accomplishments, dedication to the sport of hockey, and continued commitment to leadership and mentorship; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Josh Bartell.