On Sunday, NYS Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) presented a NYS Assembly resolution to the family of longtime high school sports reporter Miguel “Miggy” Rodriguez. Rodriguez died as a result of complications from COVID-19 on Jan. 31, 2022, at the age of 47.

The resolution was presented at a ceremony at Rodriguez’s alma mater, Canisius High School, before the Manhattan Cup - the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association boys’ basketball championship.

Rodriguez developed his love of sports playing varsity football and hockey at Canisius High School, then was the goaltender for the University of Rochester. It was there that Rodriguez’s passion and knack for sports reporting was discovered. He worked in the sports information department at the University of Rochester, then went on to write for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Cortland Standard, Greater Niagara Newspapers, and in 2003 joined the staff of The Buffalo News. At The Buffalo News, Rodriguez covered sports at nearly all levels – high school, collegiate, and professional – but was most recently the full-time high school sports reporter.

His depth of reporting and attention to detail was noted by all who worked with Rodriguez and who were on the other side of his notepad. His ability to break down plays and their development showed his thorough understanding of various sports. For the News, Rodriguez was instrumental in the naming of the All-Western New York teams for high school football and basketball.

“If you are or ever were a high school athlete, coach, or athletic director in Western New York, you likely knew Miggy,” said Assemblymember McMahon. “His passion for high school athletics was clear, and his presence at games and tournaments was a reflection of his love for his work - and a community who loved him back. I was honored to introduce this resolution honoring his life and to present it to his family at the school where his love of sports began. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

“This means so much to us that Miguel is being honored in this way,” said Rodriguez’s parents, Nancy Rodriguez-Davidson and John Davidson. “Miguel was such a kind and loving person, and our family couldn’t be more proud of the impact he had on so many people.”

"'Miggy' was a true Man for Others through his work, his community involvement and his care for family and friends,” Canisius Director of Athletics Jim Mauro said. “Our Canisius community is grateful that Assemblymember McMahon is honoring his legacy. Sunday's game is just the type of big event where Miggy did his best work, writing stories that shined a light on the Western New York high school sports community."

The resolution was introduced by McMahon and passed on Feb. 15, 2022.