Honor State Wrestling Champion

February 24, 2018 WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in high school sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Dante Geislinger upon the occasion of capturing the 99-pound Division II wrestling title at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Wrestling Championships on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Since a young age, Dante Geislinger has diligently worked for this pinnacle moment; a sophomore at Norwich High School in Norwich, New York, he was proudly crowned Section II's 99-pound wrestling State Champion; and WHEREAS, In front of a capacity crowd and a fan base of family, friends and teammates, number five-seeded Dante Geislinger earned a decisive 9-4 decision win over his number two-seeded opponent from Camden High School; and WHEREAS, During the title match, this talented young athlete trailed his opponent, 2-0 after one period; then with about 50 seconds left in the second period, Dante Geislinger set up a shot that led to a takedown and then three back points for a 5-2 lead; and WHEREAS, By the end of the second period, Dante Geislinger was ahead by 8-2 going into the final two minutes; as the third period came to a close, he handily won the bout by five points; and WHEREAS, Dante Geislinger ended his season with an impressive overall record of 45-4, making it one of Norwich High School's best; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as wrestling, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Bob Hagenbuch worked hard to hone the skills of this champion, teaching this outstanding athlete lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the mat; and WHEREAS, Dante Geislinger has clearly utilized dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Dante Geislinger upon the occasion of capturing the