Sackets Harbor Champs to Be Honored in Albany

Senate, Assembly Will Honor Honor Undefeated Patriots May 2

Senator Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush today announced that the New York State Class D Boys Basketball Champions, the Sackets Harbor Patriots will be visiting Albany on May 2, 2012. The State champs will be honored both in the Senate and Assembly Chambers and presented with official Legislative recognition marking the team’s historic Class D state title.

“The Sackets Harbor boys basketball program has a long and storied history on the courts which was capped off by winning this year’s state championship. I look forward to having the opportunity to honor Coach Jeff Robbins and his squad in the Senate Chamber and highlighting the Patriots’ undefeated season and state title,” said Senator Ritchie.

The team culminated their undefeated season (25-0) with a 49-35 victory over Madrid-Waddington to win the Class D State Championship in Glens Falls.

“The Patriots have made the North Country proud and shown once again that we  produce some of the best student athletes in the Empire State,” said Assemblyman Blankenbush. 

The team will travel to Albany compliments of Widrick Auto Sales, which is donating transportation at no cost to the team or taxpayers.

“The boys and I were extremely honored when we found out Senator Ritchie and Assemblyman Blankenbush wanted to recognize our accomplishments on the floor of the Senate and the Assembly.  This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for my student-athletes and will add more incredible memories that we can take with us forever!” said Coach Robbins.

“The success of our Boys Basketball Program has been a tremendously proud moment for our school and community. Senator Ritchie’s acknowledgement and orchestration of having our team, coaches and managers receive recognition on the floor of the Senate is just an incredible final attestation of the success of our small, rural school, and we are tremendously appreciative of her personal recognition,” said Superintendent Frederick E. Hall, Jr.

“Sports at schools are not only a privilege, but a building block for shaping kids into better role models for society. At Sackets Harbor Central, the students’ and community’s pride for our basketball team has been phenomenal. Winning a state championship has not only been a first at our school, but also for the Frontier league.  It has made us realize that with hard work and dedication you can achieve greatness.  To be recognized by State Senator Ritchie and the New York Senate is truly an amazing end to an unbelievable journey for us.”