Senate Resolution No. 2948

BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO

CONGRATULATING the Solvay Varsity Softball Team
upon the occasion of capturing the New York State
Public High School Athletic Association 2017
Softball Class B Championship

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive athletics can be
achieved only through rigorous practice, solid teamwork, and a dedicated
coaching staff; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
young individuals within our midst, who, by achieving outstanding
success in athletic competition, have inspired and brought great pride
to their school district and community; 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 by
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 justly proud to
recognize and congratulate the Solvay Varsity Softball Team upon the
occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association 2017 Softball Class B Championship; and

WHEREAS, The Solvay Varsity Softball Team advanced to the state
finals after winning the Class B Section III title; the team then
advanced to the 2017 New York State Public High School Athletic
Association (NYSPHSAA) Championship game after defeating three other
teams in the playoffs; and

WHEREAS, On June 10, 2017, the Solvay Varsity Softball Team won the
NYSPHSAA Softball Championship at the Moreau Recreation Park in South
Glens Falls, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Solvay Varsity Softball Team's strong defense prevented
Depew from scoring throughout the entire game, defeating them by 1-0 to
capture first place; after the team's State Championship win, the
Bearcats finished their season with an overall impressive record of
23-2; and

WHEREAS, The 2017 NYSPHSAA Championship victory marked the Solvay
Varsity Softball Team's second state title; the Bearcats earned their
first state title over 30 years ago in 1986; and

WHEREAS, No team can succeed without talent throughout its entire
roster, as is the case for the Solvay Varsity Softball Team whose
players include: Sid Chafee, Althea Davies, Nadea Davis, Sam Farruggio,
Lauren Hurd, Izzy Lambert, Hannah Martineau, Maya Martineau, Caitlin
McCann, Lauren Nichols, Gabriella Petralito, Hope Rivera, Delana Thomas,
and Aleah Yaizzo; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent, and drive to win, displayed by the
Solvay Varsity Softball Team is in great part due to the efforts of Head
Coach Phil Merrill and Assistant Coaches Shawn Mitchell and Keith
Lasher, who are well-respected leaders for their ability to develop
potential into excellence; and

WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the outstanding members of
the Solvay Varsity Softball Team proved to be an unbeatable combination
of talent, skill and dedication throughout the entire season; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Solvay Varsity Softball Team upon the occasion of
winning the 2017 Class B New York State Public High School Athletic
Association Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Solvay Varsity Softball Team, and to
Head Coach Phil Merrill and Assistant Coaches Shawn Mitchell and Keith
Lasher.