Senate Resolution No. 2314 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING Ray Johnson 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 Ray Johnson 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 track standout at Mont Pleasant High School who also played football and basketball, Ray Johnson clearly demonstrated a wide range of talent, along with extraordinary athletic ability to excel at the highest level; and WHEREAS, In 1971, Ray Johnson was the Section II Class A 220-yard champion (22.6); winner of the 220-yard dash at the State Meet Qualifier, a 2nd place finisher in the Sectional 100-yard dash, and garnered a 5th place finish in the 220-yard dash at the State Meet; and WHEREAS, Ray Johnson was a repeat winner in the 220-yard run (22.1) at the 1972 Section II Class A Championship and added victories in the Schenectady County Championship and the Eddy Meet 440-yard run, where he set a new Mont Pleasant High School record (48.4); and WHEREAS, Ray Johnson's senior year culminated with an undefeated season and State Championship in the 440, setting a meet record (49.6) at the 1972 Sectional Qualifier, while also running the anchor leg on Mont Pleasant's record-setting Section II Mile Relay team; and WHEREAS, Ray Johnson received a scholarship to Manhattan College, where he ran the quarter mile leg on Manhattan's Indoor Distance Medley Relay team that set a world record (9:43.7) and allowed Manhattan's indoor track team to win the 1973 NCAA team title at Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan; and WHEREAS, Manhattan's Indoor track team also won the 1973 Metropolitan Intercollegiate Track Championship, the 52nd Annual IC4A Indoor Track Championship, and Ray Johnson was named an All-American later that year for his contributions to this outstanding team, which was inducted into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Ray Johnson has been an inspiration to countless track and field 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 Ray Johnson 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 Ray Johnson.