Senate Resolution No. 2466 BY: Senator O'MARA CONGRATULATING James Tette upon the occasion of winning the NYSPHSAA Boys Class C Cross Country Championship on November 11, 2023 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 James "J.D." Tette upon the occasion of winning the NYSPHSAA Boys Class C Cross Country Championship on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Vernon Verona Sherrill High School; and WHEREAS, James Tette of Penn Yan Academy finished the 5,000-meter race with an impressive time of 6:13.5, 13 seconds faster than the second-place finisher, and a full minute and 12 seconds faster than his 2022 race time; and WHEREAS, The impressive commitment and dedication he has shown to his sport, coupled with his strategic preparation, have allowed James Tette to become the first person in his school's history to receive a cross country championship title; and WHEREAS, James Tette has 13 varsity letters across three sports: cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track, a testament to his love for athletics and competition; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning his school's colors of blue and orange, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported James Tette throughout his athletic journey as he ended his season with this astounding accomplishment; and WHEREAS, James Tette will be attending SUNY Geneseo where he will continue his success and commitment to athletics as a part of the college's Cross Country and Track and Field teams; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as cross country, which demands athletic prowess, speed, training, and agility, Coach Rick Smith worked hard to hone the skills of this champion, teaching this outstanding athlete countless lessons throughout his journey which will prove invaluable both on and off the course; and WHEREAS, Coach Rick Smith and James Tette have clearly utilized dedication, determination, and passion 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 James Tette upon the occasion of winning the NYSPHSAA Boys Class C Cross Country Championship on November 11, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to James Tette and Coach Rick Smith.