Under 26-degree temperatures with swirling winds, the Columbus Lodge Golden Lions ("CL") took the field to play softball in the ABA Turkey Shoot Out, the area's last major softball tournament. The Lions drew a challenging bracket that would see their bid for a trophy end on a play at home plate, as they lost to the Crimson Tide 14-13. The Tide went on to win the Silver Bracket Championship.

Earlier in the tournament the CL yielded eight runs in the first inning, but outscored Team Impact (defending Gold Bracket Champs) 13-10 the rest of the way. Despite their efforts, the Lions came up short. Team Impact won their third straight Gold Bracket title. Gregg Yencharis' triple opened the tournament for the Lions. CL faced off against Team Impact a year ago with the Lions winning 10-7.

"I can't believe those two teams won the gold and silver flights, we were so close with them that it really could have went either way, in both games," said Lions rookie Jon Bonnet, who batted .714, including a pair of home runs, one in his first at-bat with the team.

Afterward the Golden Lions reflected upon their accomplishments from this past season. Among the team accomplishments was a third straight trip to the finals at the McDonald's Sports Festival. Jon Bonnet (23) took home his first Golden Glove Award for his stellar play in leftfield while Jeff Steinberg took top honors by receiving the prestigious Joe Bermudez Award, given to the player who exemplifies sportsmanship and community involvement.

Steinberg led the team in hits, runs scored, walks, OBP and batting average (.778). He also tied for the team lead in home runs and was second in RBI while manufacturing a 1.556 slugging percentage. This marks the second time Steinberg has won the award and his first time since 2004. Players from the past were also recognized as Massapequa's Glenn Rice was selected for induction into the team's Hall of Fame and Farmingdale's Jeanne Juba received honorable mention.

Glenn Rice was a consistent run producer, clutch hitter, and arguably the most fundamentally sound outfielder in team history. His quick reads on batted balls, ability to seeing plays develop, and ability to cut down opposing base runners where often game saving plays. During his tenure, (1998-2000), the team had a .733 winning percentage in tournament games in which Rice played and a .667 winning percentage in games he did not.

Rice was on three ESSC title winning teams and his double, during a six-run rally, ignited the Lions to the AFSC title (1999). Rice's .833 BA propelled the Lions to the 2000 McDonald' Sports Festival championship round. An exceptional fielder, Rice was recognized for his defense with awarded a golden glove (1999). The following year his glove and bat propelled the Lions to a second place finish in the South Shore Softball League.

Known as "the Quiet Man" because of his demeanor, Glenn Rice's softball playing days ended abruptly when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a winter basketball game. Although his Golden Lions tenor was cut short, his impact on developing a young team into a championship caliber contender has made him worthy of induction into this year softball Hall of Fame.

Jeanne Juba arrived on the scene in the early 1990s and holds the honor of being the first woman softball player in lodge history. A ball hawk in centerfielder, Jeanne caught everything within her grasp. During her tenure with CL she also played on the Farmingdale High School and Nassau Community College softball teams. Jeanne is the daughter of John Juba, a past president of the Columbus Lodge.

Other OSIA NEWS: At the Nov. 22 ABA Turkey Shoot Out veteran Ed Bochynski played in his 80th tournament game as a member of Columbus Lodge... The lodge's Children's Christmas Party is on Dec. 22 at the Stuart Thomas Manor... Chairman Gary Caparco reports the lodge membership has exceeded 400 and still growing. To become a member of the lodge, one may contact Gary at 799-2613.