LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Benjamin Petrella upon the occa-
sion of winning the 3,200 Meter Run in the New York State Public High
School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Boys Outdoor Track And Field
Championship

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice, teamwork, and a dedicated coaching
staff; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
young people within the State of New York who, by achieving outstanding
success in athletic competition, have inspired and brought great pride
to their school and community; 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, Benjamin Petrella, a senior at Liverpool High School, won the
3,200 meter run in the 2016 New York State Boys Outdoor Track and Field
Championship on June 10, 2016 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Petrella ran in the second of two heats in the final
race of the evening on June 10; he ran neck in neck with a student from
Carthrage for the majority of the run, including most of the final lap;
and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Petrella used his energy to surge and break away
down the final stretch to come in first, clocking in at 8:52.42; and
WHEREAS, In addition to this victory, Benjamin Petrella also set a
record by running the fastest time ever for the boys 3,200 meter run at
a New York State Championship meet; and
WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, Benjamin Petrella has proven
to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on his
family, his school and the entire community; and
WHEREAS, The talent displayed by Benjamin Petrella is due in great
part to the efforts of his coaches Jeff Abbott, Justin Albro, Mike
Cabrinha, and Tracey Vannatta; these skilled coaches have helped develop
potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Benjamin Petrella's final high school season, he
was always loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, friends and
fans from throughout the entire community; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Petrella has demonstrated outstanding athletic abil-
ity and good sportsmanship, proving that he is second to none; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Petrella may stand with pride as he assesses his
achievements and experience the action of his labors; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Benjamin Petrella upon the occasion of winning the 3,200
meter run in the 2016 New York State Public High School Athletic Associ-
ation (NYSPHSAA) Boys Outdoor Track and Field Championship; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Benjamin Petrella.