Assembly Resolution No. 338

BY: M. of A. McMahon

CONGRATULATING the Daemen University Men's
Basketball Team and Coach Mike MacDonald upon the
occasion of achieving a perfect regular season
record

WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after
in collegiate 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 the
Daemen University Men's Basketball Team and Coach Mike MacDonald upon
the occasion of achieving a perfect regular season record; and

WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of royal blue and
white, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and
enthusiastically supported the Wildcats throughout their journey as they
ended their season with an impressive 27-0 overall record; and

WHEREAS, Finishing his 11th year as head coach of the Daemen
Wildcats, Mike MacDonald has consistently demonstrated his exceptional
leadership skills; from a historic program record of consecutive wins to
stewarding the team through the turbulent years of the COVID-19
pandemic, Coach MacDonald and his refined team of resilient athletes
excelled in all facets of the sport this season; and

WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic
prowess, speed, and agility, Head Coach Mike MacDonald and his skilled
coaching staff worked hard to hone the skills of this championship team,
teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable
both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, An undefeated season is a rare athletic accomplishment
achieved only by five other NCAA teams since 1976; Coach Mike MacDonald
and the Daemen University Men's Basketball Team also became the first
Division I or Division II team from Western New York to become
nationally ranked at No. 1; and

WHEREAS, This incredible team contributed to achieving the largest
East Coast Conference (ECC) win in program history, with a score of
90-57; these outstanding athletes claimed their third East Coast
Conference Regular Season Title in program history and earned the right
to host the ECC Tournament in Lumsden Gymnasium at Daemen University for
the first time in program history; Daemen University also proudly hosted
the 2025 NCAA East Regional at their home campus; and

WHEREAS, For his excellent leadership, Coach Mike MacDonald was
deemed the East Coast Conference and The National Association of
Basketball Coaches East District Coach of the Year, and received the
coveted Clarence "Big House" Gaines Award, presented annually to the top
Division II college basketball coach; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated leader both on and off the court, Coach Mike
MacDonald not only inspires greatness in sports but also uplifts his
community through unwavering service and volunteerism, exemplified
through his enduring work with organizations such as the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Buffalo, Blessed Sacrament Athletic Club, and Coaches vs.
Cancer; and

WHEREAS, Coach Mike MacDonald and all the outstanding athletes on
the Daemen University Men's Basketball Team have 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 the members of the Daemen University Men's Basketball Team:
Matt Becker, Benjamin Bill, Jeremy Cusick, Anthony Follett, Justin
Glover, Benjamin Guy, Ayden Harrison, Josh Haskell, Ryan Heath, Justin
Hemphill, Jackson Kulik, Andrew Mason, Phil Nwugwo, Zach Philipkoski,
Ryan Salzberg, Santana Sinvilcin, Ronnie Williams, and Ivan Yhomby; Head
Coach Mike MacDonald; coaching staff: Zach Fahey, Nick Fruscio, Ryan
Grandits, and Jaylen Morris; and support staff: TJ LaVigne, Traci
Murphy, Max Sacco, and Jeff Sage on their outstanding season and perfect
team record; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Daemen University Men's Basketball
Team, Head Coach Mike MacDonald, and the members of the coaching and
support staff.