Horseheads, N.Y., July 2— State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C-Big Flats) visited Horseheads High School on Tuesday to pay tribute to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class AA Boys Varsity Baseball state champions.

O’Mara and Friend, joined by Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss, presented the team with a joint, Senate-Assembly Legislative Resolution, which was also co-sponsored by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), paying tribute to the 2025 Section V Class D champion Blue Raiders (see the attached photo, from left to right: Chemung County Executive Moss, Senator O’Mara, team members and coaches, Assemblyman Friend, and Horseheads School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Douglas).

The team capped an impressive 21-2 season by defeating Fox Run, 6-5, in a thrilling state championship game at Binghamton University on June 14. Kevin Monahan singled in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning.It marked the team’s second state title. The first title came in 1999, the second season under Head Coach Jeff Limoncelli, who is retiring this year after a remarkable, 27-year, 437-win career at the helm of Horseheads baseball.

In a joint statement, O’Mara, Friend, and Palmesano 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 Horseheads varsity baseball state champions topped off an incredible 2025 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! We’re also grateful for the chance to thank Head Coach Jeff Limoncelli for his remarkable and incredibly successful career leading Horseheads baseball, where he has helped shape and make a difference in the lives of countless players.”

Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss said, “As County Executive, I am incredibly proud to congratulate the Horseheads High School Baseball Team on their 2025 NYSPHSAA Class AA State Championship. This victory represents the very best of what sports can offer: determination, discipline, teamwork, and heart. This title is significant as it marks the culmination of Coach Jeff Limoncelli’s extraordinary career. For nearly three decades, Coach Limoncelli has not only shaped winning teams but also developed young people of character. To see him close out his legacy with a second state championship is both fitting and inspiring. On behalf of all of Chemung County, I would like to thank the players, coaches, families, and fans who made this season unforgettable. You have set an example that will be remembered for generations to come.”

Horseheads Superintendent of Schools Thomas Douglas said, "We’re incredibly grateful to Senator O’Mara, Assemblyman Friend, and Assemblyman Palmesano for taking the time to recognize our baseball team’s amazing season. Winning a state title is a moment these players and our entire community will never forget. It speaks to their hard work, resilience, and love for the game. We also want to thank Coach Limoncelli for everything he’s given to this program over the past 27 years. His leadership has molded not just great athletes, but also exemplary young individuals.”

The joint Senate-Assembly resolution honors Head Coach Limoncelli, assistant coaches Nico Limoncelli, John Michael Cook, and Andy Scott, and all of the team members: Carson Bell, Cooper Ball, Lyncoln Bennett, Dimitri Charlanow, Brendan Clark, Zac Giammichele, Micah Hays, Mason Halloway, Patrick Laney, Hunter Matkosky, Chase Mashanic, Kegan Monahan, Trevor Reidy, Josh Stout, Devin Sullivan; and Ben Torgulski.

The resolution reads, in part, “Proudly donning the school's colors of blue and white, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Horseheads throughout their journey. In a sport such as baseball, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Jeff Limoncelli 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.”