LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the St. Bonaventure University Outlaws
Rugby Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2008 New York State Divi-
sion II Championship

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can only be
achieved through strenuous practice, team play, and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, and imparting a desire for success in developing a sense
of fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
the St. Bonaventure University Outlaws Rugby Team upon the occasion of
capturing the 2008 New York State Division II Championship; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1975, the St. Bonaventure University Outlaws
Rugby Team were previously New York State Champions in 1993, 1998, 2004
and 2007, and were ranked seventh in the final 2008 national rankings;
and
WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the St. Bonaventure Outlaws Rugby Team, from
the opening match of the season to participation in the Championship,
were a brotherhood of athletic ability, good sportsmanship, honor and
scholarship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none;
and
WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is due in great
part to the efforts of Coach Clarence Picard and his dedicated Assistant
Coach Nick Hagen, skilled and inspirational tutors who have done a
superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the St. Bonaventure Univer-
sity Outlaws Rugby Team toward their goals; and
WHEREAS, The leadership displayed by Coach Clarence Picard is partic-
ularly remarkable in that this success was accomplished in just his
third season in charge of the St. Bonaventure University Outlaws Rugby
Team; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Coach Clarence Picard and the outstanding athletes
on the St. Bonaventure University Outlaws Rugby Team have clearly made a
contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition at the
school; and
WHEREAS, The St. Bonaventure University Outlaws Rugby Team's perfect
regular season record of 6-0, reflects positively on the athletic abili-
ties, positive personality, and leadership demonstrated by Captain Bob
Owens; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the St. Bonaventure University Rugby Alumni Old
Boys Association has established the first of its kind rugby scholarship
in memory of Rob Peraza, who was tragically killed on September 11th;
and
WHEREAS, Loyally and enthusiastically supported by St. Bonaventure
University Rugby Alumni, family, fans, friends and the community at
large, the St. Bonaventure University Outlaws Rugby Team have proven
themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favor-
ably on their school; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the 2008 St. Bonaventure University Rugby Team; its
members: Justin Alverez, Ben Atkinson, Will Atkinson, Aaron Bean, Pat
Carey, Craig Chatfield, Tom Conley, Matt Finney, Derek Folts, Bobby
Foti, Joe Gattuso, Greg George, Mike George, Sam Giordano, Mark Hanna,

Jeff Hanrahan, Mike Hanrahan, Patrick Hart, Gregg Hoyos, Michael Kaplan,
Brian Kelly, Darren Kmicinski, Casey Krug, Trevor Levine, Aaron Lilga,
Gabe Martinez, Nick Maurer, Andrew Moldonado, Dan Meyers, Pat Monreal,
Dennis Mulligan, Mike Murray, Bob Owens, Zibi Pawlowski, Matt Ryan,
Chris Schott, J.T. Sheehan, Cameron Smith, Charlie Specht, Nick Sylor,
Ted Theurkauf, Tom Theurkauf, Vasile Tivadar, and Jared Vos; and Coach
Clarence Picard; upon the occasion of capturing the 2008 New York State
Division II Championship; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to St. Bonaventure University, the St. Bonaventure University
Outlaws Rugby Team and Coach Clarence Picard.