Senate Resolution No. 2311 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING Tom Chestnut upon the occasion of being inducted into the Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 Tom Chestnut upon the occasion of being inducted into the Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame on Monday, September 16, 2024, at The Event Center at Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady, New York; and WHEREAS, A three-sport athlete at Linton High School, Tom Chestnut played basketball for Schenectady Hall of Famer Walt Przybylo, football; and played tennis on Linton's 1964 Sectional championship team; and WHEREAS, Tom Chestnut graduated high school a year early and attended Princeton University where his 1966-67 basketball team finished 25-3, won the Ivy League title and garnered a ranking as high as number three in the nation, and finished fifth in the final poll; and WHEREAS, In the 1968-69 season, Tom Chestnut scored 22 points with 13 rebounds in a game vs. Harvard leading Princeton to a second Ivy League title during his tenure where the team finished with an overall record of 19-7; and WHEREAS, Following his collegiate career, Tom Chestnut played semi-pro basketball with the Schaefer Brewers, and pro basketball in Europe for three years where he was a two-time scoring champion in the Dutch League; and WHEREAS, After his playing days, Tom Chestnut forged a stellar career as a sports executive serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers from 1990-95, and Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1995-96 season; and WHEREAS, Tom Chestnut continued demonstrating his administrative acumen as Vice President and General Manager of Sports Channel New York, which later became Fox Sports Net, overseeing production of games involving the Mets, Yankees, Islanders, Devils & Nets; and WHEREAS, An Upstate New York Basketball Hall of Fame member, Tom Chestnut has been an inspiration to countless basketball fans, as well as to the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his tremendous passion for the sport and his competitive spirit; and WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Tom Chestnut upon the occasion of being inducted into the Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame, and for his extraordinary accomplishments which were a tribute to his skill, dedication and commitment; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Tom Chestnut.