LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring UAlbany student-athlete Drew Smith upon
the occasion of participating in the USA Freedom Bowl

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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the State of New York who, by
achieving outstanding success in athletic competition, have inspired and
brought pride to their school and community; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor UAlbany
student-athlete Drew Smith upon the occasion of participating in the USA
Freedom Bowl on January 21, 2013, in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Athletes designated to play in the USA Freedom Bowl will have
a final collegiate chance to further their efforts to demonstrate their
skills for professional scouts and agents that could lead to the next
level of competition; and
WHEREAS, A tailback and senior at the University at Albany, Drew Smith
finished his career as the pogrom's all-time leader for touchdowns with
45 scored, and co-leader for all-time rushing touchdowns by acquiring
40; he accrued 3,196 career rushing yards and 4,721 all-purpose yards,
both good for second all-time; and
WHEREAS, Majoring in information science with a minor in business
administration, Drew Smith earned First Team All-Northeast Conference
honors in 2012; he led the conference and ranked fourth at the FCS level
for scoring at 11.40; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Guilderland High School, Drew Smith was a high
school consensus First-Team All-Area choice, and was also named Offen-
sive Player of the Year by the DAILY GAZETTE; in addition, he was named
the Empire Division Player of the Year; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his parents, Arel and Merline,
and his sister, Taryne, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Drew Smith's overall record is outstanding; he was loyally
and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the communi-
ty at large; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Drew Smith has clearly made a contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his school; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor UAlbany student-athlete Drew Smith upon the occasion of partic-
ipating in the USA Freedom Bowl; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Drew Smith.