Assembly Resolution No. 528
BY: M. of A. Buttenschon
HONORING Nick Bottini upon the occasion of being
inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July
28, 2019
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
Nick Bottini upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports
Hall of Fame; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Sunday,
July 28, 2019, with a Ceremony at the Hall, followed by a Banquet at
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, New York; and
WHEREAS, Every year, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame publicly commends
the pursuit of athletic excellence, recognizes those who have excelled,
and strives to preserve Rome's rich athletic heritage; Nick Bottini is
truly deserving of this prestigious award; and
WHEREAS, Nick Bottini began playing basketball at a young age while
living in Hawaii; after 13 months, he and his family returned to Rome,
New York, and he attended Stokes Elementary School, Strough Middle
School, and Rome Free Academy, where he was an excellent student and a
star on the basketball team; and
WHEREAS, This strong, talented, versatile, and passionate student
athlete led the 1978-1979 Black Knights to an unprecedented 17-3 record
and the Central Oneida League title; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his skills on the basketball court, Nick
Bottini was a key component on both the football and track teams; a
natural born leader, he served as the Captain of his senior year track
team; and
WHEREAS, Nick Bottini is justly proud of his high school sports
career, however his greatest moment as a football player was in a 1976
game against Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica, New York; he
returned an interception for a touchdown, passed for two others, and
scored one himself as the Black Knights defeated their long-time rival
by an astounding score of 51-6; and
WHEREAS, After graduating in 1979, Nick Bottini continued to excel
as a member of the SUNY Potsdam Men's Basketball Team, helping them win
the Division III National Championship his first year, and reach the
finals the following year; and
WHEREAS, As a junior with the Bears, Nick Bottini shot 47.5 percent,
had 16 steals, 45 rebounds, and 31 assists; in 1983, he earned his
bachelor's degree in graphic design; and
WHEREAS, Nick Bottini has clearly made a contribution to the spirit
of excellence which is a tradition of his Rome community; 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 the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nick Bottini upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome
Sports Hall of Fame on July 28, 2019; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nick Bottini.
