The Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions have the horses, but do they have the desire to win another championship? You bet! "I'm ready to defend our titles," said Golden Lions Jeff Steinberg. On June 19th the two-time defending champs from the Columbus Lodge #2143 (CL) will look for a third straight championship title at the seventh annual Arthritis Foundation Softball Challenge.

Miami Beach has never been as hot as CL outfielders Jeff Steinberg and Dennis Tranchina. The past two AFSC tournaments, Jeff's on-base-percentage is a scorching .824, while Dennis has batting a blistering .867, with a team leading 15-RBIs. Tranchina (25) blends youth, ability, and power to perfection and is the perfect right-handed complement to the left-handed hitting Steinberg (45).

Winning this year's coveted hand crafted wood-grained AFSC trophy should prove to be challenging and enjoyable experience for all the teams involved. In addition to the Columbus Lodge, some of the companies that are expected to participate are Cannon USA, Computer Associates, KPMG (2000 and 2001 champs), News 12, North Fork Bank, and State Bank (2003 finalist). Additional teams, either corporate or non-corporate, are welcomed to participate.

For CL's Ed Bochynski, the Arthritis Foundation Softball Challenge (AFSC) began eight years ago when he and the Arthritis Foundation (AF) discussed plans for a new event that could raise money, while heightening public awareness about a disease that affects over 700,000 Long Islanders. A year later, Universal Wrestling Federation Champ Sunny Beach and his all-stars won the first softball event.

Under the nurturing of AF Executive VP Patricia Brasley and Special Events Coordinator Julie Vinitios the event has grown into one of Long Island's biggest summer softball events, attracting teams throughout Nassau and Suffolk. Although teams gather for a day of fun and competition, none have lost sight of the main goal. "Win or lose, we're all here to raise money for a good cause," said KPMG's Tom Galgano, whose team has participated in this event the past five years.

Since this event has a team limitation, it is suggested that any team that wishes to participate should register as early as possible. Teams that lose their first game will be given the opportunity to compete in the conciliation round. T-shirt, field, and event sponsorships are available. For team and event sponsorship information, one should telephone Julie at (631) 427-8272.

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve the quality of life for children and their families with rheumatic diseases, specifically by working toward improved medical care, providing collective and individual advocacy and providing education and support. AF is the only national, voluntary health organization seeking to help find cures, prevention and treatments for the more than 100 forms of arthritis.

OTHER OSIA NEWS: CL's Dave Saviano will be making his seventh AFSC appearance . . . CL has not lost a game in the AFSC since Joe Percella made his debut at shortstop in the 2002 tournament ... First base coach Pete Gisonda was the winning pitcher in the 1999 AFSC finals ... Catcher/outfielder 'Hippie Tony' Novarro enters this year's AFSC tourney with a solid .667 BA, over the past two years.