Senate Resolution No. 2581

BY: Senator RYAN

CONGRATULATING the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team
upon the occasion of capturing the National Lacrosse
League Championship on May 18, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those exemplary athletes and organizations that excel in professional
athletics, distinguishing themselves through notable achievements and
representing the great Empire State with pride and determination; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team upon the occasion of
capturing the National Lacrosse League Championship; and

WHEREAS, The Bandits clinched the title after defeating the Albany
FireWolves on back-to-back nights to complete the sweep of the
best-of-three series; and

WHEREAS, The series concluded with a 15-13 victory on Saturday, May
18, 2024 during which the Bandits never trailed, drawing the praise and
applause of a sellout crowd of 19,070 excited fans at KeyBank Center in
Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, The championship is the sixth in Bandits franchise history,
earning the team the distinction of back-to-back champions for the
second time in the team's storied history, having previously
accomplished the feat in 1992 and 1993; and

WHEREAS, Proudly donning the team's colors of orange, black, white,
and purple, family members, friends, and the community at large loyally
and enthusiastically supported the Bandits throughout their journey,
helping the team average nearly 17,000 fans per game at KeyBank Center
during the regular season; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by the Buffalo Bandits
Lacrosse Team is due in great part to the efforts of General Manager
Steve Dietrich, Head Coach John Tavares, and the entire coaching staff,
skilled and inspirational tutors respected for their ability to develop
potential into excellence; and

WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team, from
the opening game of the season to their outstanding win in the National
Lacrosse League Championship game, were a brotherhood of athletic
ability, of good sportsmanship, and of honor, demonstrating that these
team players are second to none; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competitions instill the values of teamwork, pride
and accomplishment; Head Coach John Tavares and the Buffalo Bandits
Lacrosse Team's outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to
the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their organization;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team upon the occasion of
capturing the National Lacrosse League Championship on May 18, 2024; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team.