Honor Ryan Ferro’s Wrestling Win

2017 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 Ryan Ferro upon the occasion of capturing the 160-pound Division I wrestling title at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Wrestling Championships on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Ryan Ferro has diligently worked for this pinnacle moment; a senior at Warwick Valley High School in Warwick, New York, he was proudly crowned the 160-pound wrestling State Champion; and WHEREAS, In front of his parents, Ray and Sue Ferro, his family, and the Warwick Youth Wrestling Team, as well as a cheering section wearing t-shirts with the word "Ferrocius" printed on them, Ryan Ferro earned a

7-3 win over his opponent from Brewster High School; and WHEREAS, During the title match, this talented young athlete had a slow start, trailing 2-1 until his Coach, Phil Szumlaski yelled "burn him, burn him"; using the burn, a defensive move which leads to a big scoring move, Ryan Ferro clinched his second straight state title; and WHEREAS, This remarkable athlete finished his high school wrestling career with an exemplary 181-36 record, including four Section 9 titles, two state titles and the incredible mark of never losing a home match; after graduation, he plans on wrestling in college; and WHEREAS, Academically and athletically, Ryan Ferro has distinguished himself as a young man of superlative ability, talent, and maturity, establishing standards of excellence and achievement, purposefulness of life, and responsibility rarely achieved in youthful years; and WHEREAS, In addition to his successful wrestling career, Ryan Ferro is also a talented football and baseball player; for his superior athletic prowess, he was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the C.A. Morgan Award, and was named the Bill Garcia Agency ALLSTATE Student-Athlete of the Week, and will be recognized as a Scholar-Athlete; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as wrestling, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Phil Szumlaski 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, Ryan Ferro has clearly utilized dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting 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 Ryan Ferro upon the occasion of capturing the 160-pound Division I wrestling title at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Wrestling Championships; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ryan Ferro and Coach Phil Szumlaski.