Senate Resolution No. 1171
BY: Senator GRIFFO
HONORING Josh Bartell 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
Josh Bartell upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Sports
Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on July 27, 2025; and
WHEREAS, A multi-sport athlete at Rome Free Academy (RFA), Josh
Bartell excelled in football, lacrosse, and track, but it was on the ice
where he truly left his mark, launching a hockey career that spanned
high school championships, collegiate triumphs, and professional
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, As a rugged 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman, Josh Bartell
burst onto the scene as a freshman at RFA, helping lead the Black
Knights to a perfect 25-0 season and the New York State Championship in
1988; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his four varsity seasons, Josh skated in
two state title games, earned all-league honors twice, and developed
under the guidance of highly respected coaches including Dick Meiss, Al
Williams, Don Simon, and Peter Kieffer; and
WHEREAS, On the day he graduated from RFA in June 1991, Josh Bartell
was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League-a
testament to his talent and potential; he chose to further his
development with a post-graduate year at Northwood Prep before accepting
a hockey scholarship to Clarkson University, continuing a family legacy
begun by his uncle, Ross Bartell; and
WHEREAS, At Clarkson, Josh Bartell played a key role in the Golden
Knights' success, contributing to two ECAC Championships and three NCAA
Division I tournament appearances, all while maintaining a strong
commitment to academics and team leadership; and
WHEREAS, After graduating in 1996, Josh Bartell attended the Flyers'
camp and briefly joined their minor-league affiliate in Richmond,
Virginia, before deciding to conclude his playing career and begin a new
chapter in hockey through coaching and administration; and
WHEREAS, Josh Bartell continued to support the game he loves by
coaching with USA Hockey and providing radio commentary for Clarkson
hockey games, before returning to his alma mater in 2016 as director of
Cheel Arena; in 2019, he was promoted to assistant athletic director,
where he now oversees hockey operations for both the men's and women's
programs, shaping the next generation of student-athletes; and
WHEREAS, Josh Bartell's lifelong contributions to hockey as a
player, mentor, coach, and administrator have had a lasting impact on
both the Rome and Clarkson communities, earning him a well-deserved
place in the Rome Sports Hall of Fame; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Josh Bartell upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, in recognition of his exceptional
athletic accomplishments, dedication to the sport of hockey, and
continued commitment to leadership and mentorship; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Josh Bartell.
