A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday night, to name center court in the Pat Riley Sports Center after Walt Przybylo.  Schenectady Superintendent Larry Spring read the board resolution that highlighted Przybylo's achievements, before presenting his family with a framed copy.  The beautiful name painting on the court was done by artist Tony Cristello.

Przybylo was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School.  He went on to teach physical education in the Schenectady City School District and coached boys’ varsity basketball at Nott Terrace and Linton high schools across three decades.  He is a member of the inaugural class of the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame.  He is also a member of  the Cortland College Hall of Fame, Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame and New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Przybylo finished his high school coaching career with a final record of 270-96, including a 46-game winning streak.  He coached two undefeated teams, one that was ranked #1 in New York State by the sportswriters. 

Among the players that Przybylo coached were four high school All-Americans – Barry Kramer, Pat Riley, Gary Przybylo and Sidney Edward.  Kramer and Riley were collegiate All-Americans and both went on to play in the NBA.  Edwards played with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Nine of Przybylo's former players, including Riley, Kramer and Edwards, are in the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame.

A few years ago, Riley wrote a letter supporting Przybylo’s candidacy for the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. 

“The most influential person in my life was Walt Przybylo,” wrote Riley.  “His coaching record is above the norm, not just because he had a great record or he was always playing for high school championships, but more importantly, because the players he coached came to him as boys and left as mature adults, ready to take on any challenge that life would throw their way.”

Riley said, “I for one was a perfect example of a wayward young man who benefited from his strong guidance.  If not for Coach Przybylo’s incredible caring for me as an individual, the things that I have accomplished in my life may not have happened.”  

Riley added that Przybylo’s players trusted their coach and that they were rewarded with his trust in them.

Przybylo also coached baseball and golf.  Two of his baseball players, Billy Connors and Jim Barbieri, went on to play Major League Baseball. 

In 1960, Przybylo’s Linton Golf Team won the New York State championship. 

In addition to teaching and coaching, Przybylo was also a Schenectady County Legislator.