Senate Resolution No. 1167
BY: Senator GRIFFO
HONORING Justin Davis upon the occasion of his
induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July
27, 2025
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
Justin Davis upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports
Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Justin Davis is the proud product of a family steeped in
athletic and coaching excellence; his father, Mike Davis, was a
three-sport standout at Rome Free Academy (RFA) and long-time football
coach, while his mother, Debbie Davis, devoted many years to coaching
junior high school track and field; and
WHEREAS, Raised on the sidelines, Justin Davis absorbed the values
of teamwork, discipline, and leadership from an early age, which he put
into action as a three-sport varsity athlete at RFA, lettering in
football, hockey, and baseball; and
WHEREAS, On the football field, Justin Davis was a three-year
starter who set an RFA school record for career interceptions (16),
earned the prestigious Black R, and was named one of New York State's
Top 50 players in 1996 after leading the Black Knights to a state
championship game appearance; and
WHEREAS, Equally accomplished on the ice, Justin Davis served as
co-captain of the hockey team and was a two-time leading scorer who
earned All-League honors for his performance and leadership; and
WHEREAS, His outstanding high school career earned him a football
scholarship to the University of Maine, where he was a three-year
starter at linebacker and a three-time recipient of the team's academic
achievement award, exemplifying excellence in both athletics and
academics; and
WHEREAS, After graduating in 2000, Justin Davis transitioned to
coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at Wagner College and
Louisiana Tech where he earned his master's degree before going on to
serve as an assistant at the University of Toledo; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, Justin Davis joined the coaching staff at the
United States Naval Academy, where over the course of 12 seasons he
played an instrumental role in the success of the Midshipmen football
program, coaching various defensive units and serving as one of the
program's top recruiters; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure at Navy, the team experienced one of its
most successful eras, with 10 bowl game appearances, victories over
rival Army, a dramatic triple-overtime win over Notre Dame, and multiple
Top 25 national rankings, all underscoring his effectiveness as both a
strategist and mentor; and
WHEREAS, Justin Davis has brought great credit to his alma mater,
his hometown, and the many young athletes he has guided over the years,
and his induction into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame is a well-earned
recognition of a life dedicated to sportsmanship, leadership, and
excellence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Justin Davis upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, applauding his remarkable athletic
accomplishments, coaching achievements, and continued commitment to the
values of teamwork and service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Justin Davis.
