Amsterdam Rams Honored In Albany

The New York State Senate gave high praise to the Amsterdam Rugged Rams football team on Tuesday, January 31st, said State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady).

"These State champions came to Albany as my and Assemblyman Paul Tonko's (D-Amsterdam) guests," Senator Farley said. "When they visited the Senate Chambers, my colleagues had nothing but high praise for them," referring to comments made by Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Lt. Governor Mary Donohue on what a great team the Rams are and noting how the Rams beat their area's Averill Park football team this past season.

The Amsterdam High School Rugged Rams became New York State Class A football champions last November, defeating the Geneva High School Panthers by a score of 35 to 14. Senator Farley and Assemblyman Tonko co-sponsored a New York State resolution honoring the team.

Senator Farley's colleague State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette), who represents Geneva, said, "They are a great team because they beat a great team." Senators Farley and Nozzolio had a friendly wager on the game between the Rams and the Panthers. When the Rams won, Senator Nozzolio gave Senator Farley a bushel of apples to share with his Amsterdam constituents.

During their visit to the Capitol, the Rams gave Senator Farley a copy of the 2005 Class A Champs plaque that each player had received. On the plaque is a team photo and a list of the games the football team had won leading up to the championship game.

"I was honored to receive this plaque, and have proudly hung it on my wall," Senator Farley said.