Days after capturing a state title, the Penn Yan Academy boys lacrosse team received official recognition from New York lawmakers during the school’s annual sports banquet.
State Sen. Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano visited Penn Yan Academy on Monday to present a legislative resolution honoring the Mustangs for winning the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D championship.
The Mustangs secured the state title last June at Boswell Field in Geneva, defeating Chenango Forks 11-8 to finish the season with a 21-2 record. The championship marked the second state title in program history.
The resolution, approved unanimously by both the state Senate and Assembly earlier this year, was presented before players, coaches, family members, school administrators and supporters during the banquet ceremony.
In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano praised the team for continuing Penn Yan’s long tradition of athletic success and said the championship season reflected the dedication, excellence and hard work of the student-athletes and coaching staff.
The resolution recognized Head Coach Brian Hobart, assistant coaches Harry Queener, Chris Redington and Conner Fingar, along with the players who contributed to the championship run. It also highlighted the discipline, athleticism and teamwork required to reach the top of New York’s Class D ranks.
Penn Yan Superintendent Dr. Gregory Baker said the district takes pride in the role athletics play in education and noted the boys lacrosse program has captured 29 Section V championships, including 27 over the past three decades. He said the 2025 team joined the program’s 2001 squad as state champions and created lasting memories for the school community.
Athletic Director Jonathan MacKerchar said the team entered the season motivated by disappointment after failing to win a sectional title in 2024. He said players and coaches embraced a theme of being defending champions of “nothing” and used it as motivation throughout the year.
Hobart described the championship team as a special group that responded to adversity by outworking opponents and prioritizing team success over individual recognition. He said the players earned their place in the storied history of Penn Yan lacrosse through their commitment to each other, the program and the community.
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