Honor Solvay Softball Champions

Senate Resolution No. 2948 BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO CONGRATULATING the Solvay Varsity Softball Team upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association 2017 Softball Class B Championship WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive athletics can be achieved only through rigorous practice, solid teamwork, and a dedicated coaching staff; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those young individuals within our midst, who, by achieving outstanding success in athletic competition, have inspired and brought great pride to their school district and community; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success, and by developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize and congratulate the Solvay Varsity Softball Team upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association 2017 Softball Class B Championship; and WHEREAS, The Solvay Varsity Softball Team advanced to the state finals after winning the Class B Section III title; the team then advanced to the 2017 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Championship game after defeating three other teams in the playoffs; and WHEREAS, On June 10, 2017, the Solvay Varsity Softball Team won the NYSPHSAA Softball Championship at the Moreau Recreation Park in South Glens Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, The Solvay Varsity Softball Team's strong defense prevented Depew from scoring throughout the entire game, defeating them by 1-0 to capture first place; after the team's State Championship win, the Bearcats finished their season with an overall impressive record of

23-2; and WHEREAS, The 2017 NYSPHSAA Championship victory marked the Solvay Varsity Softball Team's second state title; the Bearcats earned their first state title over 30 years ago in 1986; and WHEREAS, No team can succeed without talent throughout its entire roster, as is the case for the Solvay Varsity Softball Team whose players include: Sid Chafee, Althea Davies, Nadea Davis, Sam Farruggio, Lauren Hurd, Izzy Lambert, Hannah Martineau, Maya Martineau, Caitlin McCann, Lauren Nichols, Gabriella Petralito, Hope Rivera, Delana Thomas, and Aleah Yaizzo; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent, and drive to win, displayed by the Solvay Varsity Softball Team is in great part due to the efforts of Head Coach Phil Merrill and Assistant Coaches Shawn Mitchell and Keith Lasher, who are well-respected leaders for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the outstanding members of the Solvay Varsity Softball Team proved to be an unbeatable combination of talent, skill and dedication throughout the entire season; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Solvay Varsity Softball Team upon the occasion of winning the 2017 Class B New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championship; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Solvay Varsity Softball Team, and to Head Coach Phil Merrill and Assistant Coaches Shawn Mitchell and Keith Lasher.