Senate Resolution No. 1069

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING Gyasi Ruffin upon the occasion of
capturing the NYSPHSAA Division I Indoor Track and
Field Championship in the 600 Meter Run on March 4,
2023

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 Gyasi
Ruffin upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Division I Indoor
Track and Field Championship in the 600 Meter Run on Saturday, March 4,
2023, at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility in Staten Island, New
York; and

WHEREAS, To the praise and applause of his excited fans, Corning
High School senior Gyasi Ruffin placed 1st among public school athletes
in the 600 Meter Run; his time of 1:20.60 is a new school record in the
event; and

WHEREAS, In addition to this monumental feat, Gyasi Ruffin also set
the school record in the 300 Meter Dash with a time of 35.64; and

WHEREAS, Gyasi Ruffin went on to compete at Indoor Nationals in
Boston, Massachusetts as a member of the Corning Distance Medley Relay,
which finished 11th in the Nation; and

WHEREAS, In a sport such as long distance running, which demands
stamina, speed and determination, Head Coach Ray Lawson and Assistant
Coaches Tom Ketchum, Joe Melanson, and Kale Wilcox worked hard to hone
the skills of this champion, teaching this outstanding athlete lessons
which will prove invaluable both on and off the track; and

WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of black and gold, his
family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically
supported Gyasi Ruffin throughout his journey as he ended his season
with an impressive overall record; and

WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride
and accomplishment, and Gyasi Ruffin has clearly made a 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 Gyasi Ruffin upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA

Division I Indoor Track and Field Championship in the 600 Meter Run on
March 4, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gyasi Ruffin, Head Coach Ray Lawson and Assistant Coaches
Tom Ketchum, Joe Melanson, and Kale Wilcox.