LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Pelham Memorial High School Boys
Varsity Rugby Team upon the occasion of capturing the Division 1, Tier 2
New York State 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 Pelham
Memorial High School Boys Varsity Rugby Team upon the occasion of
capturing the Division 1, Tier 2 New York State Championship on Sunday,
June 7, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The Pelham Memorial High School Boys Varsity Rugby Team won
its first Division 1, Tier 2 New York State title with an exciting 22-21
victory over local rival New Rochelle in the final moments of the cham-
pionship game; and
WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is due in great
part to the efforts of Head Coach Matt Persanis and his staff, skilled
and inspirational tutors, respected for their ability to develop poten-
tial into excellence; they have done a superb job in guiding, molding
and inspiring the team members toward their goals; and
WHEREAS, The team's overall record is outstanding and the team members
were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and
the community at large; and
WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Pelham Memorial High School Boys Varsity
Rugby Team, from the opening game of the season to participation in the
championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good sportsman-
ship, of honor and of scholarship, demonstrating that these team players
are second to none; and
WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, the team members have proven
themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favor-
ably on their school; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Coach Matt Persanis 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 Pelham Memorial High School Boys Varsity Rugby Team;
its members: Josh Quinn, Morgan Collins, Alex Pasa, Joseph Nelson,
Andres Samudio, Kevin Ndou, Matt Biskup, North Westall, Luke Persanis,
Cian Burns, JT Perez, Whit Johnson, Justin Johnson, David Monaco, Harry
Fanning, Matt Rabinowitz, Jake Soifer, Daniel Maydwell, Riley Burke,
Matt Scampoli, Moises Soto, Ryan Killeen, Moriyah Tulloch, Jake Galiani,
Christian Battaglia; Head Coach Matthew Persanis, and Assistant Coaches
Keith Killeen, Matt Westfall and Jamie McClellen, on their outstanding
season and overall team record; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the members of the Pelham Memorial High School Boys Varsity
Rugby Team, and the aforementioned coaches.