For the second year in a row and for the third time in five years, the resilient Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions (CL) advanced to the final round of the Ronald McDonald House's 10th Annual Business Cares for Kids Sports Festival co-ed softball tournament, after their 25-4 semi-final round drumming over BWD. "This team won't let each other quit no matter what the circumstances," said CL manager Ed Bochynski.

In the final days leading up to the Sports Festival, the Columbus Lodge received word that injuries and family commitments would prevent veterans Rita DiSalvo, Lisa Hynoski, and Lynda Waring from participating in the Sports Festival (SF). The unexpected news brought new challenges to the team and opportunity for rookies Gisa Hellemeier, Kathy Mondi and sophomore Julie Janus to participate in their first SF. Collectively these women would end up providing timely hitting and solid defensive.

The Columbus Lodge began the morning by playing against the 2002 Sports Festival Champs from LISD, Inc. of Hauppauge. As they walked onto the field their level of confidence quickly descended as they fell behind 6-0. A pair of homeruns, in the home first, by Ron Gandolfo and Jeff Steinberg cut the lead in half but each time the Lions got close, LISD expanded their lead. In a losing effort, Anthony Curran's 3-run homerun in the fifth inning made the final score a respectable 13-8.

After the opening round loss, the Golden Lions regrouped and took their frustration out against the team from FALA Direct Marketing with a 21-5 victory. A first inning, 8-run, 11-hit explosion, that included a Jeff Steinberg grand slam and an Ed Bochynski triple, gave the Lions an insurmountable lead. During a second inning 5-run rally, Gisa Hellemeier's triple drove in a pair of runs and Rob 'the Big Hurt' Igneri added his first SF homerun.

In the third inning, the Golden Lions continued to maul FALA by scoring 6-runs, as the crowd begged the umpire to call off the dogs. Down 19-0 in the fourth inning, FALA finally broke through with their first run, which, ironically, was the only inning the Lions did not score. Before it was all over, the CL collected 24-hits, including four by Dave Saviano, while Joe Percella hit his first SF homerun.

In the afternoon round, the high powered Golden Lions' offense continued to inflict severe damage as they defeated the Robert Plan Group 20-4. RPG felt the swift swipe of the Lions paws in the very first inning, when 3-runs crossed the plate. RPG tied the score at 4-4 heading into the bottom of the third when the Lions erupted for 16-runs on 18-hits; a CL record for runs and hits in an inning. Joe Percella, Jeff Steinberg and Dennis Tranchina each hit homeruns in the inning.

A Columbus Lodge milestone was reached when outfielder Ron 'Gondo' Gandolfo stepped onto the field during the Lions match-up against RPG. Gondo passed Jeff Saviano for fourth place on the CL all-time CAP list (CAP is recognition earned by a player for each appearance in softball tournament games). "It's a tremendous milestone and a testament to his dedication to the Golden Lions," CL manager Ed Bochynski stated. "He should be very proud of it, and I'm sure he is."

Now hotter than a pepperoni pizza on the fourth of July, the emotionally charged Golden Lions advanced to the semi-finals to play BWD, who had just defeated AXA Advisors. In typical fashion, Dave Saviano opened with a single and scored on Anthony Curran's 2-run salami; it was the Big Sausage's second homerun of the tournament. The 2-runs were only the start of an eventual 9-run first inning assault on BWD pitching.

After BWD 3-run outburst ate into the lead, the Golden Lions rawed back with an 8-run second inning; highlighted by Dennis Tranchina and Joe Percella's back-to-back homeruns. As the temperatures heated up, so did the Lions' offense. Two runs cross the plate in the third inning and 6-runs in the fourth for a 25-4 final score. Exhausted, but determined, the Columbus Lodge advanced to the championship round for a return bout against the team from LISD, Inc.

All monies raised at the Sports Festival benefit the Ronald McDonald House (RMH), a not-for-profit charity that provides a temporary lodging for seriously ill children and their families who must travel to local hospitals for urgently needed medical care. Currently in the middle of an ambitious $5-million capital expansion to more than double the size of their facility, the RMH is in need of community support. To make a donation, one may call (516) 775-5683.

At last September's Columbus Lodge Italian Feast and Festival, RMH Executive Director Silvana LaFerlita-Gullo was honored for portraying Italian Americans in a positive light through her commitment and dedication of the RMH. "From the moment I stepped into this place (RMH), I knew this is where I was supposed to be," said Ms. Gullo, who is now in her 11th year as Executive Director. Since opening its door in 1986, the RMH has served over 7,500 families.