Arkport, N.Y., June 2— State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey (R,C-Caledonia), and Sara Lattin, Chief of Staff for Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) visited the Arkport Central School on Monday to pay tribute to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class D Arkport-Canaseraga Boys Varsity Baseball state champions.

Palmesano, Bailey, and Lattin presented the team with an official Legislative Resolution approved by the Senate and Assembly (J1079/K579) paying tribute to the 2024 Section V Class D champion Wolves (see the attached photo).

The team capped its impressive 18-3 season by defeating Oriskany, 4-0, in the state championship game at Binghamton University last June.

In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano, and Bailey said, “We always look forward to these opportunities to recognize and honor the excellence and success of the remarkable student-athletes who help our school communities stand out. The Arkport-Canaseraga boys varsity baseball state champions topped off an incredible 2024 season by winning a state championship, which is the ultimate achievement in high school athletics and a tribute to the dedication, hard work, and incredible skill of the team’s coaches and players. This team brought excitement, joy, and deep pride to their school, their families and friends, the community at large, and our entire region. We are equally proud to recognize and honor their commitment, teamwork, and unforgettable success!”

The joint Senate-Assembly resolution honors Head Coach Nick Smith, and assistant coaches Stan Ells, Diangelo Carey, Ethan Lewis, and Vincent McDaniel, along with team members Jacob Bacon, Brenton Booth, Aydan Button, Caden Carey, Bryer Drake, Richard Flaitz, Drew Glover, Curtis Hartman, Bryson Jones, Tayven Lavetsky, Ben Leibham, John Marcus, Micah Marvin, Eli Merry, Devin Moran, Conor Smith, Connor Westfall, and Taylor Pragle.

The resolution reads, in part, “In a sport such as baseball, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Nick Smith and his skilled
coaching staff worked hard to hone the skills of this championship team, teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable
both on and off the field. Coach Nick Smith and all of the outstanding athletes on the Arkport-Canaseraga High School Baseball 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.’

Arkport-Canaseraga Superintendent of Schools Jesse Harper said, “The 2024 Arkport-Canaseraga baseball team showed the heart, grit, and unity of true champions. Their journey to the state title was a testament to relentless hard work, selflessness, and belief in one another. I couldn’t be prouder of this group—they’ve made history and brought our communities together in the best possible way.”

Arkport-Canaseraga Baseball Head Coach Nick Smith said, “The 2024 baseball team has cemented itself into the history books with their state championship victory back on June 8th. The weight of this title has a lifelong warranty and it’s something that no one can ever take away from them. Being a State Champion is forever. It might not be a realization for some until later on and that’s okay. I hope it’s a reminder to not just themselves but to their peers, their families, and the community that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to with a full team effort and unity in believing in each other. I am beyond proud and forever grateful to have been able to lead this group in accomplishing something that we all can be proud of forever. Arkport-Canaseraga Wolves. Your 2024 New York State Class D Baseball Champions.”

Arkport-Canaseraga Athletic Director Rob Patrick said, ”The 2024 Varsity Baseball team's State Championship was an amazing accomplishment. So many of these players and their families put in countless hours to the sport and that hard work and dedication paid off in a special way that they all can take great pride in.”