Crusaders tackle Albany

Central Valley - The Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders traveled to Albany Wednesday to continue the celebration of their win in the Class AA high school football state championship. State Sen. William J. Larkin Jr. (R-C-Cornwall-on-Hudson), presented the team with a state resolution during Wednesday’s session where the student athletes were recognized by the full Senate. After the ceremony, Larkin continued the celebration with the team and their coaches at a pizza party he hosted in the Legislative Office Building. “I am extremely proud of these young people,” Larkin said. “Not only did they excel on the field, but they have been exemplary representatives of the Hudson Valley, handling their undefeated season and the championship win like true gentlemen. Their outstanding sportsmanship and respect for their opponents is a credit to their parents and coaches whose leadership has guided these fine student athletes.” Last November, the Crusaders defeated Webster Thomas High School 32-10 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse to finish the season with a perfect 12-0 record and become the first team from Section IX to win the Class AA Title. For head coach Pat D’Aliso, the championship win was the 154th of his distinguished 30-year career, giving him the most wins of any active coach in Section IX.