LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ben Haas upon winning the New York
State Public High School Athletic Association Division 2 Wrestling Cham-
pionship

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor outstanding young people who demonstrate the qualities that lead
to success in athletics, academics and life in this great Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Salamanca City Central School District senior Ben Haas
successfully competed at the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association Division 2 Championships in Albany, New York, on February
25, 2012, where he successfully won his second consecutive State Champi-
onship Title; and
WHEREAS, Following a hard-won match against Tristan Hamner of Medina
at the 2012 Section 6 Division 2 state qualifier at East Aurora in which
he overcame a 9-3 deficit, Ben Haas remained calm and focused and was
able win the match with a score of 12-11; and
WHEREAS, Propelled by his comeback at the qualifying match, Ben Haas
faced a difficult opponent in former state champion Derek Pfluger of
Sandy Creek, who entered the match with a 43-0 season; the two battled
for control of the match, each holding a narrow lead briefly; Ben Haas
was victorious with a 4-3 win in the final period of the match; and
WHEREAS, This talented young man, who wrestled in the 152-pound weight
class, was named Wrestler of the Year by THE JAMESTOWN POST-JOURNAL; he
is characterized by head coach Mike Ekstrom and assistant coach Rich
Morton as an athlete with a strong work ethic and character; and
WHEREAS, Ben Haas ended his high school varsity wrestling career with
a record of 243-39; he competed at the state level five times and won
the state competition in his division twice; he set the Salamanca High
School record for wins in a single season in his seventh, eighth, tenth
and eleventh grade seasons; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those high school athlete-scholars who have achieved notable
success in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ben Haas for his perseverance and dedication in aspiring
for success in his high school wrestling career, and for capturing his
second consecutive New York State Public High School Athletic Associ-
ation Wrestling Title; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ben Haas.