The Friends of Farmingdale Athletics (FFA), in coordination with coaches from Farmingdale High School Varsity, Junior Varsity and Howitt Middle School 2007-2008 sports teams, have selected student-athletes to receive the "DALER" award.

The "DALER" represents recognition of the consummate student-athlete. These highly motivated individuals successfully combine the rigors of a demanding academic schedule with the drive, determination and dedication required to participate in their respective sporting event.

The FFA will periodically provide a brief overview of the recipients throughout the summer months in the Observer.

Taryn has provided consistent play for the lacrosse team this year as a result of her positive outlook and attitude. She brings motivation to the team as well as a reminder "that even when it gets tough, giving up is not an option." She takes practice seriously as a means to improve her skill-sets. She works on the tips and advice offered by her coaches and feels that it will help the team as well as her. Taryn takes to the classroom and has enjoyed the American Sign Language class "because it introduced me to a whole different culture in our community." She also enjoys social studies "even though it's all history, it never bores me." She is a standing member of the National Honor Society and participates as a cheerleading coach for the Farmingdale Hawks for the 7/8 year-old competition teams. Taryn's version on the definition of a "Daler" is "the best and the most aggressive athletes around!"

Coach's Corner: Taryn has been a two-year starter and is one of the most coachable players I have ever had. She comes to practice every day ready to work hard and learn any new skills or drills that we ask of her. She is an asset to any team she is on.

Alexis brings determination and passion to the Daler lacrosse program. She's been playing for the past seven years and has always loved to play the sport. "I have a desire to win that shows on the field." Alexis will play in summer lacrosse leagues to improve her skills. She takes advantage of every practice during the season when her coaches show the team new aspects of the game to learn and new rules to understand. "I try to incorporate all that into my lacrosse game." Alexis enjoys the educational experience at Farmingdale High School. She likes science and social studies. "These subjects will help me in my future since I am thinking about sports-related careers which will require a lot of science." She is involved in the community as well. She participated in a run for her church youth group and helps to coach new lacrosse players by developing their skills and having them just enjoy the sport. She defines a Daler as "a person (not necessarily an athlete) who exemplifies pride and leadership and then uses those Daler qualities to help other students and fellow athletes."

Coach's Corner: Alexis has been a two-year starter and will be brought up to the Varsity team for the playoffs. She works incredibly hard at every practice and takes lacrosse seriously. Her comment about having a "desire to win" shows on the field as absolutely true. She gives 100 percent all the time and is a pleasure to have on the team. She will be missed.

Ben is a man on a mission for the Daler wrestling program. He offers the ultimate in his outlook and attitude on the mats. "I have a good relationship with all of my teammates. I feel that I make everybody around me better as I get better." He has a plan when trying to improve his wrestling skills. On weeknights during the off-season, Ben continues to practice to improve. "I also set yearly goals for myself." Ben works hard on the academics, as well. He truly enjoys history and learning about the past and the ideas of others. He finds Spanish interesting to learn about other cultures. He participates in fundraisers by selling raffles and working the concession stand to raise money for various sports programs. He also volunteers time to help younger wrestlers at Youth Council. According to Ben, A "Daler" is "somebody who represents their school with pride."

Coach's Corner: Ben is the future of our program.

Residents can contact godalersffa@optonline.net for any comments or suggestions regarding the Friends of Farmingdale Athletics. All Farmingdale High School Alumni are encouraged to become a part of the organization.