[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 79 (Friday, June 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1055-E1056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     WEST GENESEE WILDCATS, 2002 NEW YORK STATE LACROSSE CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2002

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate a victorious day for West 
Genesee High School as both the men's and women's lacrosse teams 
captured the New York State Lacrosse Division 1, Class A Championship 
titles. It was a memorable day that will go down in history for the 
Wildcats, as both teams soared triumphantly to the top.
  The day began as the women's team traveled to Cortland, New York to 
defend their state title, and this is exactly what they accomplished. 
The team ended their undefeated season with a 15-11 win. Later that 
afternoon at Hofstra University, the men's lacrosse team regained the 
State title with an exciting 10-9 victory. As Coach Mike Messere stated 
``It was one of the most exciting games I've seen.''
  West Genesee Lacrosse has always had the reputation for a stellar 
program, and as displayed this past weekend, the program continues to 
generate gifted athletes. These students work year-round to master the 
sport, and because of their relentless hard work, dedication, and 
passion for the game, they came out true champions.
  I am proud of these devoted athletes, and I commend the coaching 
staff, parents, and entourage of supporters who traveled this long road 
with them. This type of outcome does not happen overnight, nor is it a 
result of just one season. It takes years of dedication to get such 
results, and this entire team should be proud of their accomplishments.
  I would like to acknowledge the athletes and coaching staff who 
brilliantly represented their school, county, and state this past 
weekend:

[[Page E1056]]

  For the women: Chrissy Zaika, Eileen Gagnon, Vanessa Bain, Shannon 
Burke, Meghan Burgoon, Katie Donovon, Lindsey Moore, Jackie Griffin, 
Kendall Tupper, Lindsey Shirtz, Kelly Fitzgerald, Colleen O'Hara, 
Nicole Motondo, Katherine Kenneally, Juilie Fabrizio, Kelly Kuss, 
Katherine DelPrato, Beth Elmer, Lindsey Hamann, Meghan O'Connell, Katie 
Kozloski, Keelin Hollenbeck, Eileen Flynn, Head Coach Bob Elmer, and 
Assistant Coach Erica Gerber.
  And for the men: Mike Malfitano, Dean Mancini, Jake Bebee, Zack 
Forward, Jeff Murphy, Jed Bebee, Alex Cost, Kevin Hennigan, Matt 
O'Connell, Andrew Hanover, Rob Lemos, Mike Conklin, Cheney Raymond, 
Mark Conklin, Pat McCormack, Chad Clark, Drew Dabrowski, Devin Burgoon, 
Kiel Moore, Mike Solamon, Jim Mullaley, Andrew Sugar, Bill Gleason, 
Casey Rotelia, Chris Bulawa, Brian Cummings, Matt Woolsbiager, Brian 
Calabrese, Bob Toms, Mike Malone, Andy Zysk, Matt Cassalia, P.J. Burns, 
Head Coach Mike Messere, Assistant Coach Bob Deegan, and Scorekeepers 
Melissa McCarthy, Shadia Nesheiwat, Monica Macro, Kim Fischmann, 
Danielle Wood, and Jessica Lebduska.

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