Honor South Troy Dodgers Win

Senate Resolution No. 498 BY: Senator BRESLIN CONGRATULATING the South Troy Dodgers upon the occasion of capturing the 2016 AABC Nolan Ryan 13s World Series Championship WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to outstanding athletes who distinguish themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement; and 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to congratulate the South Troy Dodgers upon the occasion of capturing the 2016 AABC Nolan Ryan 13s World Series Championship; and WHEREAS, On Monday, August 8, 2016, at Loves Park in Rockford, Illinois, the South Troy Dodgers beat the Connecticut Braves by a score of 8-4 to capture the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) Nolan Ryan 13s World Series Championship; and WHEREAS, The South Troy Dodgers have several AABC teams ranging from ages 12-18; the program is designed to develop baseball talent and produce a winning environment; and WHEREAS, In capturing the 2016 AABC Nolan Ryan 13s World Series Championship, the South Troy Dodgers reached their team goals through dedication and hard work; the Dodgers were 3-0 in pool play and advanced to the championship round where they were an undefeated 5-0; and WHEREAS, The 2016 South Troy Dodgers set their sights on winning a World Series title from the beginning of their practice session in January of 2016; the team performed well with excellent pitching and defense, and superior hitting during the tournament where they outscored their opponents 89-10, including two shutouts, in six games; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent and success displayed and achieved by the South Troy Dodgers is due in great part to the efforts of President George Rogers, Head Coach Keith Rogers, and Assistant Coaches, Nick Scattareggia, Mark Walters, and Bob Tiberia, skilled and inspirational leaders, respected for their ability to develop athletic potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the South Troy Dodgers, from the opening game of the season to victory in the 2016 AABC Nolan Ryan 13s World Series Championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, an unbeatable combination of talents, and a dedication to winning that reflected favorably on their team, league and community; and WHEREAS, The South Troy Dodgers and its members were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the community at large; and WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and the South Troy Dodgers Team's outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the South Troy Dodgers upon the occasion of capturing the