Senate Resolution No. 1819

BY: Senator STEC

CONGRATULATING the Saranac Lake Girls Nordic Ski
Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2026
NYSPHSAA Nordic Ski Championship

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 the
Saranac Lake Girls Nordic Ski Team and Head Coach Keith Kogut upon the
occasion of capturing the 2026 NYSPHSAA Nordic Ski Championship; and

WHEREAS, On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to the praise and applause
of their excited fans, the Red Storm girls dominated the state
competition, earning an impressive team score of 18 points, a great lead
over the second-place team's 37 points; and

WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of red and white,
family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically
supported the Red Storm girls throughout their journey as they ended
their season by capturing the coveted championship title; and

WHEREAS, This momentous achievement marks the Saranac Lake Girls
Nordic Ski program's first state championship win; and

WHEREAS, In a sport such as Nordic skiing, which demands athletic
prowess, speed, and agility, Coach Keith Kogut, alongside his skilled
coaching staff of Bridget O'Leary and Randy Young, worked hard to hone
the skills of this championship team, teaching these outstanding
athletes lessons which will prove invaluable as they go forward in life;
and

WHEREAS, Coaches Keith Kogut, Bridget O'Leary, and Randy Young, and
all of the outstanding athletes on the Saranac Lake Varsity Girls Nordic
Ski Team have clearly utilized dedication, determination, and teamwork
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 the members of the Saranac Lake Girls Nordic Ski Team:
Kelsi Burth, Pepper Laxson, Tyler Burth, Kaylee Holmes, Cadence Kennedy,
Lila Zobel, and Amelia Evans; and Coaches Kieth Kogut, Bridget O'Leary,
and Randy Young on their outstanding season and capturing the 2026
NYSPHSAA Nordic Ski Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Saranac Lake Girls Nordic Ski Team and
Coaches Keith Kogut, Bridget O'Leary, Randy Young.