J 334: Welcoming the members of the Fordham Preparatory School's Soccer Team to the Legislative Chambers on February 10, 2025, in recognition of winning the Catholic High School State Championship Title

 Senate Resolution No. 334 BY: Senator RIVERA WELCOMING the members of the Fordham Preparatory School's Soccer Team to the Legislative Chambers on February 10, 2025, in recognition of winning the Catholic High School Athletic Association State Championship Title 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 Fordham Preparatory School's Soccer Team upon the occasion of winning the Catholic High School Athletic Association State Championship Title; to the praise and applause of their excited fans, the Rams defeated Chaminade High School in a 1-0 victory to win the Championship; and WHEREAS, The Fordham Rams held an impressive defense for the entire 80 minutes, holding Chaminade High School scoreless; with one minute and 53 seconds left on the clock, a perfect combination of a free kick, header, and a closing shot netted the Rams the one goal needed to seal a dramatic victory over their competitors; and WHEREAS, A story of triumph and resilience, the Fordham Preparatory School's Soccer Team was initially in last place before their journey solidified them as not only State Champions, but also the winners at the Archdiocese and City levels; their combined win at these three levels is known colloquially by competing schools as "the treble"; this historic win is the first time Fordham Prep has won the "treble," in the school's 183-year history; and WHEREAS, The school's 2024 State Championship win is its first in 14 years and is the second in its history, truly making this a momentous and meaningful win for the entirety of the team and its dedicated Head Coach, Peter McNamara, who, in his 40th year of coaching, worked hard to hone the skills of this championship team, teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the field; and WHEREAS, Coach Pete McNamara and all the outstanding athletes on the Fordham Preparatory School 's Soccer 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; and WHEREAS, These fine athletes are a testament to the spirit of excellence and the idea of legacy, following in the footsteps of many impactful individuals who are alumni of Fordham Preparatory School, such as Assemblyman and former Governor C. Malcolm Wilson, Class of 1929, and Assemblyman, heroic Civil War general, and Medal of Honor recipient, Martin T. McMahon, Class of 1855; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Fordham Preparatory School's Soccer Team upon the occasion of winning the Catholic High School Athletic Association State Championship Title; and be it further RESOLVED, That the members of the New York State Legislature extend a warm welcome to the athletes of the Fordham Preparatory School Soccer Team to the Legislative Chambers in Albany on February 10, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Senate and Assembly applaud the students and athletes of Fordham Preparatory School, wishing them success in all their future endeavors and thanking them for their meaningful visit to the State Capitol.