Senate Resolution No. 2581 BY: Senator RYAN CONGRATULATING the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team upon the occasion of capturing the National Lacrosse League Championship on May 18, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to those exemplary athletes and organizations that excel in professional athletics, distinguishing themselves through notable achievements and representing the great Empire State with pride and determination; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team upon the occasion of capturing the National Lacrosse League Championship; and WHEREAS, The Bandits clinched the title after defeating the Albany FireWolves on back-to-back nights to complete the sweep of the best-of-three series; and WHEREAS, The series concluded with a 15-13 victory on Saturday, May 18, 2024 during which the Bandits never trailed, drawing the praise and applause of a sellout crowd of 19,070 excited fans at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York; and WHEREAS, The championship is the sixth in Bandits franchise history, earning the team the distinction of back-to-back champions for the second time in the team's storied history, having previously accomplished the feat in 1992 and 1993; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the team's colors of orange, black, white, and purple, family members, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Bandits throughout their journey, helping the team average nearly 17,000 fans per game at KeyBank Center during the regular season; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team is due in great part to the efforts of General Manager Steve Dietrich, Head Coach John Tavares, and the entire coaching staff, skilled and inspirational tutors respected for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team, from the opening game of the season to their outstanding win in the National Lacrosse League Championship game, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, and of honor, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and WHEREAS, Athletic competitions instill the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment; Head Coach John Tavares and the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team's outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their organization; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team upon the occasion of capturing the National Lacrosse League Championship on May 18, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Buffalo Bandits Lacrosse Team.