Honor Paul Della Villa

Senate Resolution No. 2687 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING Paul Della Villa upon the occasion of his induction into the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame on September 11, 2017 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 Paul Della Villa upon the occasion of his induction into the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at its 20th Annual Hall of Fame and Reunion Dinner on Monday, September 11, 2017, at Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady, New York; and WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa is an esteemed graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, where he distinguished himself by his many notable achievements in football, holding numerous high school and college records; and WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa played football at Mont Pleasant High School for Athletic Hall of Fame members Larry Mulvaney and Tony Parisi, and ran track for Hall of Famer Ray Vacca; and WHEREAS, An exceptional athlete, Paul Della Villa began his successful run as the hero of the football team when he scored a pivotal touchdown when Mont Pleasant High School upset undefeated Linton High School 14-13 on Election Day in 1962, making it one of the most thrilling games in the history of cross-town football rivalry; and WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa continued his incredible scoring streak when he scored eight touchdowns as a junior, and five touchdowns in one game versus Kingston High School in 1963; and WHEREAS, In that same year, Paul Della Villa led the Patriots to the Class "A" League football title, scoring 16 touchdowns, including runs of 15, 16, 24, 30, 46, 59, 59 and 76 yards, receptions of 51 and 52 yards, kickoff returns for touchdowns of 86 and 91 yards, and an exciting score on a 62-yard interception return; and WHEREAS, In 1963 Paul Della Villa was named the Schenectady County Scoring Champion with an incredible 96 points; in addition, he was the recipient of the Thom McAn Bronze Shoe Award, and was selected as the Union Star Player of the Year and a First Team Five-County All-Star; and WHEREAS, Paul Della Villa continued his illustrious football career at Boston College; during his freshman year, he was named an All-American Running Back by Coach and Athlete Magazine, and the Section II 220-yard Champion; and WHEREAS, After being injured for most of his sophomore year, Paul Della Villa came back to lead the team in scoring in 1966; throughout his career at Boston College, he recorded a total of eight touchdowns, and averaged 3.8 yards per carry and 17.2 yards per reception; in November of 1968, he was selected to the ECAC Division I All-East Weekly Team; and WHEREAS, After college, Paul Della Villa played professional football for the Quincy Giants, the Boston (New England) Patriots farm team; in 1969, he earned the title of the Most Valuable Offensive Player; and WHEREAS, In addition to being inducted into the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame, Paul Della Villa is a member of both the Mont Pleasant Hall of Fame and the Capital Region Football Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Paul Della Villa; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Paul Della Villa for his extraordinary athletic accomplishments which are a tribute to his skill, dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations with praise and pride to honor Paul Della Villa upon the occasion of his induction into the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Paul Della Villa, and the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame.