Senate Resolution No. 509 BY: Senator ORTT CONGRATULATING Hamza Merrick upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA's Boys Wrestling Championship WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in youth 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, Heavyweight Hamza Merrick, a senior at Wilson High School, made history by becoming the first Wilson wrestler to win a State Championship during the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Wrestling Championships on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, In the championship match, Hamza Merrick defeated the reigning state champion in a 4-1 decision to capture the 285-pound wrestling title; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this scholar athlete is due in great part to the efforts of Head Coach Mike Carlo, a skilled and inspirational tutor respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, In light of his recent accomplishments, Hamza Merrick has brought honor and just pride to his 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 his school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Hamza Merrick upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA's Boys Wrestling Championship; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Hamza Merrick and Head Coach Mike Carlo.