May 5, 2008

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Siena Men's Basketball Team and Head Coach Fran McCaffery upon the occasion of capturing the 2008 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those outstanding college athletes who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Siena Men's Basketball Team and Head Coach Fran McCaffery upon the occasion of capturing the 2008 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships; and

WHEREAS, After winning a share of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship, the Siena Saints Men's Basketball Team defeated Rider University, 74-53, to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in school history; and

WHEREAS, One of only two schools from the State of New York in the 65-team NCAA Tournament Field, the Siena Saints Men's Basketball Team advanced to the second round following a thrilling, 83-62 upset victory over Southeastern Conference powerhouse Vanderbilt; and

WHEREAS, The Siena Saints Men's Basketball Team finished the season with a 23-11 record, which included a 79-67 win over nationally ranked Stanford University at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is due in great part to the efforts of Head Coach Fran McCaffery and his dedicated staff, who have done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the Siena Men's Basketball Team toward their goals for the season; and

WHEREAS, A skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence, Fran McCaffery became the 31st Coach to guide three different teams into the NCAA Tournament; and

WHEREAS, From the opening game of the season to participation in the NCAA Tournament, the Siena Saints Men's Basketball Team were a brotherhood of athletic ability, good sportsmanship, honor and scholarship,demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and

WHEREAS, The Siena Men's Basketball Team was loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the community at large and have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on their school; and

WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and Coach Fran McCaffery and the outstanding athletes on the Siena Saints Men's Basketball Team have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition at Siena College; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those exemplary athletic teams within the State of New York that have represented the great Empire State with pride and determination and distinguished themselves through notable achievements; now,therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the Siena Men's Basketball Team; its members: James Carr, Chris De La Rosa, Josh Duell, Tay Fisher, Alex Franklin, Erik Harris, Kenny Hasbrouck, Clarence Jackson, Cory Magee, Ronald Moore, Steven Priestley, Ryan Rossiter and Edwin Ubiles; Head Coach Fran McCaffery; Assistant Coaches: Mitch Buonaguro, Andrew Francis and Adam Chaskin; Director of Basketball Operations, Stephen Ott; and Managers: Matt DeFazio, Jimmy Halley, Alex Marinescu and Timothy McEvoy, upon the occasion of capturing the 2008 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Siena Men's Basketball Team and to Head Coach Fran McCaffery.