Senate Resolution No. 1320
BY: Senator MURRAY
HONORING Paul Longo upon the occasion of his
retirement after 31 years of distinguished service
to the William Floyd High School football team
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Paul Longo upon the occasion of his retirement after 31 years of
distinguished service to the William Floyd High School football team;
and
WHEREAS, For the past 31 years, Paul Longo rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to the William Floyd High School
football team, earning the admiration, esteem, and affection of
students, parents, colleagues, and fellow coaches; and
WHEREAS, Paul Longo is recognized for transforming the William Floyd
High School football team into a prepared and respected model for other
teams throughout Suffolk County and the greater Long Island community;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to Paul Longo leading the William Floyd High School
football team in 1995, the team had never won a playoff game; in Paul
Longo's 31 years of service, the team had 27 winning seasons,
participated in the Long Island Championship 12 times, and won the Long
Island Championship five times; and
WHEREAS, Motivated to change the football culture in his school
district, Paul Longo took a "bottom up" approach to improving his team,
dedicating time and effort to teaching foundations to students starting
in fifth grade through high school; and
WHEREAS, Paul Longo was determined to prepare his student athletes
for anything that may happen on the field, and he often taught his team
to study the tactics and skills of other high school and college
programs; and
WHEREAS, In addition to being an inspiration to athletes on his
team, Paul Longo was a role model for other coaches in Suffolk County
and the greater Long Island community; and
WHEREAS, Paul Longo leaves the William Floyd High School football
team with a 253-67 record, a 0.791 winning percentage, 15 Suffolk
Division I titles, a Suffolk County-record 42-game winning streak, and
three Rutgers Trophies, which are given to Suffolk County's most
outstanding team; and
WHEREAS, Beyond Paul Longo's numerous records and achievements, his
greatest accomplishment has been inspiring and impacting the countless
students that played under his leadership; and
WHEREAS, The drive, dedication, and heart of Paul Longo fostered an
environment and culture where the William Floyd High School football
team flourished and became a record-breaking powerhouse in the Long
Island high school football community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Paul Longo upon the occasion of his retirement after 31 years of
distinguished service to the William Floyd High School football team;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Paul Longo.
