Senate Resolution No. 4536

BY: Senator KENNEDY

CONGRATULATING the University at Buffalo Men's
Basketball Team and Head Coach Nate Oats upon the
occasion of upsetting fourth-seeded University of
Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on
March 15, 2018

WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after
in collegiate sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic
achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such
excellence and become examples for the citizens of this great Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and
physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the University at Buffalo Men's Basketball Team and Head
Coach Nate Oats upon the occasion of upsetting fourth-seeded University
of Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March
15, 2018; and

WHEREAS, To the praise and applause of their excited fans, the
13th-seeded Bulls defeated the heavily favored Wildcats in the Taco Bell
Arena at Boise State University in a decisive 89-68 victory to win the
game; and

WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of blue and white,
family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically
supported the Bulls throughout their journey as they captured their
first MAC Regular Season Title and ended their season with an impressive
27-9 overall record; and

WHEREAS, After their incredible season, several members of the
University at Buffalo Men's Basketball Team were selected to various
postseason teams and Head Coach Nate Oats was named Mid-American
Conference Coach of the Year, and District Coach of the Year by the
National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC); and

WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic
prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Nate Oats worked hard to hone the
skills of this championship team, teaching these outstanding athletes
lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Nate Oats and all of the outstanding athletes on
the University at Buffalo Men's Basketball Team have clearly utilized
dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting
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 members of the University at Buffalo Men's Basketball
Team: James Reese, Montell McRae, Jeremy Harris, Jayvon Graves, Davonta
Jordan, CJ Massinburg, Wes Clark, Colby Moultrie, Dominic Johnson,
Dontay Caruthers, Gabe Agorioge, Nick Perkins, Ikenna Smart, and Brock
Bertram; and Head Coach Nate Oats upon the occasion of upsetting
fourth-seeded University of Arizona in the first round of the NCAA
Tournament on March 15, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the University at Buffalo Men's Basketball
Team, and Head Coach Nate Oats.