Supervisor Kate Murray kicked off the Town of Hempstead's "Cereal Bowl I" when she huddled with the Garden City Trojans and Freeport Red Devils Feb. 24 in the courtroom at Old Town Hall. Players, coaches and school officials joined the supervisor and town board members to celebrate the two teams' 2003 Long Island championships.

"We proudly welcome our hometown heroes from Garden City and Freeport high schools, who captured Long Island championships in their respective conferences during the 2003 season," Supervisor Murray said. "Both teams completed undefeated seasons with resounding victories in title games versus teams from Suffolk County..."

Garden City, the Conference II champion, is led by coaching legend Tom Flatley. A perennial power, the Trojans have played for the Long Island title eight times in the last 12 years. The team culminated its 2003 Title quest with a 20-0 win over Riverhead in the Long Island championship game. Among the team's most talented players is Mike Munnelly, a star running back who also plays in the defensive backfield. Quarterback Conor O'Brien is a seasoned three-year starter and Terence Hartigan is a stalwart performer on a stingy defense.

Councilman Ed Ambrosino saluted the Garden City team, stating, "The 2003 Long Island championship enhances the school's storied gridiron tradition."

Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby added, "The football players being honored typify the many outstanding athletes who play high school sports throughout the year."

Following the breakfast, both teams were honored with commemorative citations and an official tribute at the town board meeting.