Senate Resolution No. 2003 BY: Senator STEC CONGRATULATING the Glens Falls High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Basketball Class A Championship on March 16, 2024 WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in high school 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 Glens Falls High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Basketball Class A Championship, held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, To the praise and applause of their excited fans, the Glens Falls High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team bested the Wayne Central Eagles in a riveting game with a final score of 50-37 points; and WHEREAS, Carrying their lead of 20-12 into the second half, the Black Bears returned to the state championships for the second time in five years; remarkably, the team was the first in the State to defeat Wayne Central during the season, to capture the state title; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of red and black, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Black Bears throughout their journey as they ended their season with an impressive 27-0 overall record; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Rob Girard and his expert coaching staff have 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, Head Coach Rob Girard, Assistant Coaches Cam Girard, Sonny McTiernan, Dan Hall Jr., Stephen Zurlo, and Trent Girard, and all of the outstanding athletes on the Glens Falls High School Boys Varsity 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 Glens Falls High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team: Jacob Barber, Jake Burns, Kellen Driscoll, Brody Holcomb, Oscar Lilac, Ralphael Maldonado, Bryce McClenning, Cooper Nadler, Aiden Prunty, Collin Woodell; Managers: Claire Cygan and Tyrell Gooden; Assistant Coaches Cam Girard, Sonny McTiernan, Dan Hall Jr., Stephen Zurlo, and Trent Girard; and Head Coach Rob Girard upon the occasion of capturing the 2024 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class A Championship on March 16, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Glens Falls High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, and Head Coach Rob Girard.