Honor Nick Bottini’s Hall Induction

July 28, 2019, with a Ceremony at the Hall, followed by a Banquet at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, New York; and WHEREAS, Every year, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame publicly commends the pursuit of athletic excellence, recognizes those who have excelled, and strives to preserve Rome's rich athletic heritage; Nick Bottini is truly deserving of this prestigious award; and WHEREAS, Nick Bottini began playing basketball at a young age while living in Hawaii; after 13 months, he and his family returned to Rome, New York, and he attended Stokes Elementary School, Strough Middle School, and Rome Free Academy, where he was an excellent student and a star on the basketball team; and WHEREAS, This strong, talented, versatile, and passionate student athlete led the 1978-1979 Black Knights to an unprecedented 17-3 record and the Central Oneida League title; and WHEREAS, In addition to his skills on the basketball court, Nick Bottini was a key component on both the football and track teams; a natural born leader, he served as the Captain of his senior year track team; and WHEREAS, Nick Bottini is justly proud of his high school sports career, however his greatest moment as a football player was in a 1976 game against Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica, New York; he returned an interception for a touchdown, passed for two others, and scored one himself as the Black Knights defeated their long-time rival by an astounding score of 51-6; and WHEREAS, After graduating in 1979, Nick Bottini continued to excel as a member of the SUNY Potsdam Men's Basketball Team, helping them win the Division III National Championship his first year, and reach the finals the following year; and WHEREAS, As a junior with the Bears, Nick Bottini shot 47.5 percent, had 16 steals, 45 rebounds, and 31 assists; in 1983, he earned his bachelor's degree in graphic design; and WHEREAS, Nick Bottini has clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his Rome community; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Nick Bottini upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 28, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Nick Bottini.