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Rensselaer County legislators honor state swim champion and two Columbia High coaches
Summary
The Rensselaer County Legislature opened its June session with three commendations: student Christian Jerome for a NYSPHSAA title and Columbia High coaches Shay Harrison and Tom Labardi for regional and state coaching honors. Speakers praised athletic achievement, coaching leadership and planned mentorship and facility improvements.
The Rensselaer County Legislature opened its June meeting by pausing deliberations to recognize local athletic achievement and coaching awards. Christian Jerome, a student at Hoosick Valley Central School, was commended for winning the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) championship in the 100-meter butterfly. The resolution noted Jerome's preliminaries time (48.62) and his personal-best 48.04 in the final.
Legislator presenters Casal, Pateri and Wysocki read a resolution praising Jerome’s performance and directed the clerk to transmit an engrossed copy to him. An on-deck coach described Jerome’s preparation: "He's been swimming for me for about 6 years, since he was about 8 or 9...swimming 6 or more days a week, traveling, and doing a lot to make sure that he is 1 of the best in the area, best in the state." The legislature offered applause and congratulations.
The body also commended Columbia High School head coach Shay Harrison after his selection as Channel 13 girls basketball coach of the year. Legislators outlined Harrison’s academic background, coaching record (19–4 overall this season, 14–3 in the suburban council), and volunteer work with the school’s authentic science research program and local nonprofits. Harrison thanked the legislature, saying, "Thank you very much for the honor. You guys dug deep on the information."
A third resolution honored Columbia High School physical education teacher and strength-and-conditioning coach Tom Labardi for being named New York State coach of the year in the Northeast Region by the National High School Strength Coaches Association. The resolution described program improvements Labardi has led, including a "fit for life" class and expanded weight-room use by roughly 75 to 100 students after school. Labardi said, "the recognition means everything to me," and cited support from family and his supervisor.
All three commendations were presented early in the meeting and drawn from resolutions introduced by multiple legislators. The recognitions were ceremonial; no substantive policy or budget changes were attached to the presentations.
The legislature then moved on to its regular agenda.
