K 338: Congratulating the Daemen University Men's Basketball Team and Coach Mike MacDonald upon the occasion of achieving a perfect regular season record

 Assembly Resolution No. 338 BY: M. of A. McMahon CONGRATULATING the Daemen University Men's Basketball Team and Coach Mike MacDonald upon the occasion of achieving a perfect regular season record WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in collegiate 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 Daemen University Men's Basketball Team and Coach Mike MacDonald upon the occasion of achieving a perfect regular season record; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of royal blue and white, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Wildcats throughout their journey as they ended their season with an impressive 27-0 overall record; and WHEREAS, Finishing his 11th year as head coach of the Daemen Wildcats, Mike MacDonald has consistently demonstrated his exceptional leadership skills; from a historic program record of consecutive wins to stewarding the team through the turbulent years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Coach MacDonald and his refined team of resilient athletes excelled in all facets of the sport this season; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic prowess, speed, and agility, Head Coach Mike MacDonald and his skilled coaching staff 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, An undefeated season is a rare athletic accomplishment achieved only by five other NCAA teams since 1976; Coach Mike MacDonald and the Daemen University Men's Basketball Team also became the first Division I or Division II team from Western New York to become nationally ranked at No. 1; and WHEREAS, This incredible team contributed to achieving the largest East Coast Conference (ECC) win in program history, with a score of 90-57; these outstanding athletes claimed their third East Coast Conference Regular Season Title in program history and earned the right to host the ECC Tournament in Lumsden Gymnasium at Daemen University for the first time in program history; Daemen University also proudly hosted the 2025 NCAA East Regional at their home campus; and WHEREAS, For his excellent leadership, Coach Mike MacDonald was deemed the East Coast Conference and The National Association of Basketball Coaches East District Coach of the Year, and received the coveted Clarence "Big House" Gaines Award, presented annually to the top Division II college basketball coach; and WHEREAS, A dedicated leader both on and off the court, Coach Mike MacDonald not only inspires greatness in sports but also uplifts his community through unwavering service and volunteerism, exemplified through his enduring work with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo, Blessed Sacrament Athletic Club, and Coaches vs. Cancer; and WHEREAS, Coach Mike MacDonald and all the outstanding athletes on the Daemen University Men's 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 Daemen University Men's Basketball Team: Matt Becker, Benjamin Bill, Jeremy Cusick, Anthony Follett, Justin Glover, Benjamin Guy, Ayden Harrison, Josh Haskell, Ryan Heath, Justin Hemphill, Jackson Kulik, Andrew Mason, Phil Nwugwo, Zach Philipkoski, Ryan Salzberg, Santana Sinvilcin, Ronnie Williams, and Ivan Yhomby; Head Coach Mike MacDonald; coaching staff: Zach Fahey, Nick Fruscio, Ryan Grandits, and Jaylen Morris; and support staff: TJ LaVigne, Traci Murphy, Max Sacco, and Jeff Sage on their outstanding season and perfect team record; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Daemen University Men's Basketball Team, Head Coach Mike MacDonald, and the members of the coaching and support staff.