Honor Rome Sports Hall Inductee

Senate Resolution No. 1881 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING David B. Caldwell Jr. upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 28, 2019 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 David B. Caldwell Jr. upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Sunday, 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; David B. Caldwell Jr. is truly deserving of this prestigious award; and WHEREAS, Born in Rome, New York, in 1971, David B. Caldwell Jr. played baseball for the Little League, Pony League, Colt League all-star, and the Moose Club travel team, and was selected for the Fran Allison travel team; and WHEREAS, Throughout his high school career at Rome Free Academy, David B. Caldwell Jr. was a starter on both the baseball and basketball teams; he was also a key component of his school's football team, serving as its punter, and both an offensive and defensive starter; during his senior year, he held the title of team Captain, was chosen for the All-Upstate Third Team as a linebacker, and was voted the Black Knight's MVP; and WHEREAS, After graduating, David B. Caldwell Jr. attended Marist College where he was the punter and a defensive player on the football team; throughout his four years, he served as a role model for all, striving to be the very best he could be in every single outing; and WHEREAS, During his summers, David B. Caldwell Jr. worked for the city recreation department and volunteered for the Special Olympics, and subsequently, became inspired to work with young people; and WHEREAS, David B. Caldwell Jr. is currently employed with the Hopewell Valley School District in New Jersey, which reinstated the football program again in 2004, after a 70-year hiatus; by 2013, he was hired on a five-year trial basis and led his varsity team to a state championship; and WHEREAS, David B. Caldwell Jr. 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 David B. Caldwell Jr. 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 David B. Caldwell Jr.