LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Siena College Men's Basketball
Team and Coach Jimmy Patsos upon the occasion of capturing the 2014
College Basketball Invitational Championship

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only 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, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the
Siena College Men's Basketball Team and Coach Jimmy Patsos upon the
occasion of capturing the 2014 College Basketball Invitational Champion-
ship on Saturday, April 5, 2014 in Loudonville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Siena Saints Men's Basketball Team defeated the Fresno
State Bulldogs 81-68 in the title game of the 2014 College Basketball
Invitational Championship; and
WHEREAS, With the series score tied 1-1, the Siena Saints were cheered
on by an energetic and enthusiastic home crowd; the game was played on
campus at the Alumni Recreation Center for the first time since the
1996-97 season, adding to the excitement of the fans and players; the
team jumped out to an early lead, and won in dominating fashion; and
WHEREAS, The Siena Saints staged an exceptional post-conference tour-
nament comeback, playing outstanding basketball in their victories over
Stony Brook, Penn State and Illinois State to enter the championship
series; they finished the season winning nine of 11 games; and
WHEREAS, This is the first post-season championship for the Siena
College Men's Basketball Team since joining the ranks of Division I
schools in 1976; and
WHEREAS, The success displayed by this team is due in great part to
the efforts of Coach Jimmy Patsos and his team of outstanding assistant
coaches, skilled and inspirational tutors, respected for their ability
to develop potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, The Siena Saints team members were loyally and enthusi-
astically cheered on by their devoted fan base, renowned for their
support of this exceptional team; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Coach Jimmy Patsos and these outstanding athletes
have clearly made a 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 Siena College Men's Basketball Team and Coach Jimmy
Patsos upon the occasion of capturing the 2014 College Basketball Invi-
tational Championship; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Siena Saints Men's Basketball Team and to Coach Jimmy
Patsos.