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.