Honor Coach John Faller

Senate Resolution No. 384 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER COMMENDING Coach John Faller upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Sweet Home High School Varsity Football Team and the Boys Lacrosse Team WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the distinguished educators and athletic coaches who serve the youth of this great Empire State and who have distinguished themselves and their schools through outstanding commitment and exemplary athletic achievements; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Coach John Faller upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Sweet Home High School Football Team and the Boys Lacrosse Team; and WHEREAS, A congenial leader and seasoned tactician, John Faller's positive demeanor, selfless commitment and caring concern have contributed to his unparalleled success as a coach and mentor, earning him the just respect and admiration of the school, his peers and the athletes he has so ably coached; and WHEREAS, Every weekend for the past three decades, legendary Panthers' Head Varsity Football Coach John Faller could be seen pacing the sidelines at the Sweet Home High School football game; he has proudly coached football at some level since 1974; and WHEREAS, A native of Rochester, New York, John Faller played running back for Greece-Arcadia High School; after graduation, he played the same position at the University of Buffalo; and WHEREAS, John Faller proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army for two years; after his discharge, he was hired as a Physical Education Teacher at Sweet Home High School in 1974; in that same year, he started coaching football as an Assistant Modified Coach, while also playing running back for six years with the Twin City Geminis, an adult semi-pro team; and WHEREAS, Through the years, John Faller went on to coach modified, freshman and Junior Varsity football at Sweet Home High School; in 1986, he took over the helm as Varsity Coach; and WHEREAS, Unparalleled in his achievements as Sweet Home's Football Coach, John Faller has led the Panthers to an incredible record of

2007-2012; and WHEREAS, From 2008-2012, the Panthers only lost three games; a 2010 loss ended a 36-game unbeaten streak, which was the third-longest streak in Western New York history and tied for fourth in the Nation; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Football Coach, John Faller also led the Boys Lacrosse Team since its inception in 1976, minus one year when he served as Athletic Director; and WHEREAS, Under John Faller's leadership, the Sweet Home Boys Lacrosse Team won six section titles; Coach Faller ranks second all-time in the section in coaching wins with 372; and WHEREAS, Well-respected for his abilities, John Faller held the position of Section VI Boys Lacrosse Chairman from 1980-2014; and WHEREAS, John Faller was a friend to everyone and always stayed true to his beliefs, making the kids his number one priority; considered to be an "old-school coach," he was always available to help his athletes achieve their goals and dreams; and WHEREAS, The balancing act between coaching sports and raising a family can be difficult; John Faller was supported by his wife of 47 years, Barbara; his four children, Todd, Laura, Kara and Jenna; and his seven grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to now record its recognition and appreciation in honoring an outstanding educational leader whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing character and sportsmanship in youth, exemplifying the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Panthers Football and Lacrosse Team Coach John Faller, in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions on behalf of Sweet Home High School; recognizing as well, the significance of his long and distinguished career as a teacher, coach and mentor in serving both the youth of his community and the student athletes of Sweet Home High School; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Coach John Faller.