Honor Parker Stokes' Championship

Senate Resolution No. 2953 BY: Senator AKSHAR CONGRATULATING Parker Stokes upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Division II 3,000 meter Steeplechase Championship on June 10, 2017 WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; 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 developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, A standout sophomore steeplechase runner for the Maine-Endwell Spartans, Parker Stokes earned his first state championship in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Union-Endicott High School in Endicott, New York; and WHEREAS, Parker Stokes won this grueling 7 1/2 lap event by a winning margin of 14 seconds in his division, recording an outstanding time of 9:30.62; and WHEREAS, This exceptional athlete also placed 5th overall in the New York State Federation, which includes every secondary school in New York, both private and public; and WHEREAS, With this monumental win, Parker Stokes will compete in the

2,000 meter Steeplechase at the New Balance High School Nationals on Saturday, June 17, 2017, in Greensboro, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, In addition to his success in the Steeplechase, Parker Stokes ran in two New York State Championships in Cross-Country, and two New York State Federation Championship races; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by Parker Stokes due in great part to the efforts of Coach Michael Cordi, a skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, Parker Stokes' overall record is outstanding; he was loyally and enthusiastically supported by his parents, Dave and Leslie Stokes, his sister, Lindsey, fans, friends and the community at large; and WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, Parker Stokes has proven himself to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on his school; and WHEREAS, Coach Michael Cordi has done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring Parker Stokes towards his goals; and WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and Coach Michael Cordi and Parker Stokes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Parker Stokes upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Division II 3,000 meter Steeplechase Championship on June 10, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Parker Stokes and Coach Michael Cordi.