Senate Resolution No. 434 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Samantha Massey upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA's Section III Girls Wrestling Championship 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 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, Samantha Massey, a seventh grader from Mount Markham, made history by winning the state championship at 94 pounds during the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's inaugural girls' wrestling championships at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, on Thursday, February 27, 2025; and WHEREAS, Samantha Massey, the No. 1 seed going into the tournament, dominated her opponents, securing four victories with two first-period pins and two technical falls; her victory in the finals was swift, taking less than one minute to defeat Julia Duro from Section II Shaker, who entered the match as the sixth seed; and WHEREAS, This win capped an impressive season for Samantha Massey, who finished her first varsity year with a 39-2 record, remaining undefeated against other girls; her quick rise and dominance in the tournament makes her one of the standout athletes in the area; and WHEREAS, Samantha Massey's title added to the strong presence of Section III athletes at the inaugural state championship, further solidifying her place among the top female wrestlers in New York State; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this scholar athlete is due in great part to the efforts of a great team of coaches, including Mount Markham's John Hoke and Brandon Yager, and her Club Coach Laken Cook, skilled and inspirational tutors, respected for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, In light of her recent accomplishments, Samantha Massey has brought honor and just pride to her school and community on the local, and State level, clearly utilizing dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of her school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Samantha Massey upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA's Section III Girls Wrestling Championship; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Samantha Massey, and Coaches John Hoke, Brandon Yager, and Laken Cook.