Honor Michael Delaney's Induction

Senate Resolution No. 960 BY: Senator RITCHIE HONORING Michael F. Delaney upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among all of us; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael F. Delaney upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, In 1968, Michael F. Delaney, a Watertown native, graduated from Watertown's Immaculate Heart Central; and WHEREAS, In 1972, Michael F. Delaney began his work with the Immaculate Heart Central Boys Basketball Team, becoming head coach in

1975; and WHEREAS, In his 43 years with the Immaculate Heart Central Boys Basketball Team, Michael F. Delaney has won more than 510 games, seven league titles, two sectional titles and one Central Conference Championship; he has also been the recipient of multiple awards, such as: Coach of the Year, sportsmanship awards, and the 2006 New York State Coach of the Year; and WHEREAS, The coaching career of Michael F. Delaney also includes 43 years as the Immaculate Heart Central baseball coach, where he has won more than 560 games and made three New York State Final Four appearances, winning one New York State title; and WHEREAS, In addition to his coaching duties, Michael F. Delaney was named the Immaculate Heart Central Athletic Director in 1983; and WHEREAS, Student-athletes who have played under Michael F. Delaney credit him with not only helping them succeed in athletics, but also in their personal lives, often quoted as saying he prepared them for life after high school by stressing character values, sportsmanship, integrity, self-esteem, discipline and perseverance; and WHEREAS, The positive impact Michael F. Delaney has had on students at Immaculate Heart Central reaches far beyond the field of play, as he has served as the school's guidance counselor since 1983; and WHEREAS, In addition to the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, Michael F. Delaney is enshrined as a member of the Jefferson Community College and Immaculate Heart Central Hall of Fames; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Lori, and their four children, as well as 14 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and WHEREAS, Michael F. Delaney is a shining example of the impact a person can have on the betterment of his community and through his dedication to the Immaculate Heart Central School District and its athletic teams, he has made a tremendous impact on the North Country; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Michael F. Delaney upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael F. Delaney.