Honor Coach Gary Vail

Senate Resolution No. 839 BY: Senator AKSHAR CONGRATULATING former Coach Gary Vail upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame on March 24, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to outstanding athletes and coaches 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 congratulate former Coach Gary Vail upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at a Ceremony on Sunday, March 24, 2019, in Heritage Hall at the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, The New York State Basketball Hall of Fame honors the best coaches in the history of basketball in the State; Gary Vail is truly deserving of this esteemed recognition; and WHEREAS, For 35 years, Gary Vail served as the Coach of the Windsor High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team, the last 25 of which he also held the title of Director of Athletics and Physical Education before officially retiring from both positions in 2004; and WHEREAS, Today, Gary Vail remains involved with Windsor's sports program, helping to organize its sports history into a coaches legacy library; and WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Gary Vail worked hard to hone the skills of his teams, teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the court; and WHEREAS, Gary Vail is widely regarded by players and coaches as a passionate, dedicated and inspirational coach, leading the Windsor Black Knights to three Section IV titles, 11 league championships, 16 tournament championships, and nearly 1,000 wins; and WHEREAS, Coach Gary Vail truly loved and cared about each and every one of his athletes, and diligently worked to not only teach them basketball skills, but also, the values of good sportsmanship; and WHEREAS, Through his humor and passion, Gary Vail was an inspiration to his basketball players, their families, and the community for 35 years, and accordingly merits recognition for his tremendous passion and competitive spirit; 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 members of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate former Coach Gary Vail upon the occasion on his induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame on March 24, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to former Coach Gary Vail.