Senate Resolution No. 677

BY: Senator AKSHAR

CONGRATULATING the Maine-Endwell Little League
Team upon the occasion of capturing the Little
League World Championship on August 28, 2016

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; 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
developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those esteemed individuals within the State of New York
who distinguish themselves through outstanding achievements in worldwide
athletic competition; and

WHEREAS, The Maine-Endwell Little League Team captured the 2016
Little League Championship, the team ended a five-year championship
drought for the United States' teams on Little League's biggest stage
and gave New York its first title since 1964; and

WHEREAS, On Sunday, August 28, 2016, the Maine-Endwell Little League
Team capped off an undefeated season with an exciting 2-1 win over the
South Korean Little League Team in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Maine-Endwell Little League Team marked
history by being the first Little League World Series Champions to
receive, by unanimous vote, the Jack Losch Little League Baseball World
Series Team Sportsmanship Award; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is a reflection
of the tireless efforts of Coaches Scott Rush, Joe Mancini and Joe
Hopko, skilled and inspirational mentors, respected for their ability to
encourage young athletes and develop potential into excellence; and

WHEREAS, The players and coaches were loyally and enthusiastically
supported by family, friends, and fans while igniting pride over the
entire community; and

WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Maine-Endwell Little League Team, from
the opening game of the season to participation in the World
Championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good
sportsmanship, of honor and of integrity, demonstrating that these team
players are second to none; and

WHEREAS, The talented members of the Maine-Endwell Little League
Team have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents,
reflecting favorably on not only their community, but also the State and
Nation as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Little League Board President Mitch Gorton and Vice
President Bob Bennett were instrumental in coordinating efforts between
the team, parents and the local community to ensure the team had the
support needed to secure the titles; and

WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride
and accomplishment, and the coaching staff and these outstanding
athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence
which is a tradition of their community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Maine-Endwell Little League Team; its members: Billy
Dundon, Jude Abbadessa, Brody Raleigh, Michael Mancini, Jordan Owens,
Conner Rush, Justin Ryan, Jack Hopko, James Fellows, Jayden Fanara and
Ryan Harlost; and the coaching staff, on their outstanding undefeated
season and overall team accomplishments; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Maine-Endwell Little League Team and to the
aforementioned coaching staff and board members.