Editorial: Coaching Counts

Anton Community Newspapers • 132 East 2nd Street • Mineola, NY 11501 • Phone: 516-747-8282 • FAX: 516-742-5867

Editorial: Coaching Counts

Friday, 08 March 2013 00:00

Recently, the Garden City High School girls basketball team helped Coach Anthony Sparachia notch his 200th win. It’s a significant achievement that has Sparachia joining a number of other Trojans coaches that have stuck around long enough to rack up the wins and championships including Community Achievement Award Winner Diane “Chappy” Chapman (357 field hockey wins; 203 lacrosse wins) and football head coach Tom Flatley (five Long Island Championships).

Taylor Carpentier at the free throw line. Photo by Ed Rotondo Longevity is the key to this kind of success and with it comes the stability needed to maintain a quality sports program. As loath as the Jets fan in me is to admit, look no further than New England Patriots and Bill Belichick, who has managed to lock up three Super Bowl championships with a good shot at corralling a few more before he hangs up his whistle. It’s this kind of consistent demand of excellence that’s made Belichick as much of a winner as the coaches that are such an integral part of the Garden City School District athletic program.

– Dave Gil de Rubio

News

Bugs Bower Lecture

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

Friends of the Garden City Public Library will sponsor a free lecture, “Life in the Music Business,” with Garden City resident “Bugs” Bower. The legendary music arranger/producer/publisher will be appearing on Thursday, May 30 at 2 p.m. at the Garden City Public Library at 60 Seventh St. to share excerpts from his new book, Nice Stories about Nice People—highlights from his personal experiences in the music business.

Patience Please, With Impatiens

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

When gardeners begin shopping for spring flowers, they may notice a familiar staple missing: the impatiens.

Impatiens walleriana, which are beloved globally for their wide selection of color and low maintenance, have been affected by a fungus called downy mildew. The fungus first causes tiny spots, then yellowness on the leaves. A few weeks later, all that’s left is the flower’s stem and a frustrated gardener.

Sports

Playing With A Big Stick

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Defense keys successful lacrosse seasons

The boys and girls high school teams are both rolling and have their sights set on a long run in the playoffs. Both team have faced a number of formidable opponents throughout the season and have successfully navigated their schedules. One thing that has been consistent for both teams has been that their defenses have had to stand tall at key times and shut down very active offenses. Both Coach Finnell and Coach Chapman have made sure that the non-league schedules of their teams will ensure that their teams are prepared for whatever the playoffs can throw at them.

After going the full season last year undefeated, the boys team has three blemishes on their record with losses to powerhouses Ward Melville, Manhasset and LaSalle of PA. With a 9-3 record the Trojans are looking to wrap up the number two seed in the playoffs to force a rematch of the Manhasset game in the County finals. The boys have excelled defensively only allowing 4.25 goals against per game. And if you remove those three tough losses the goals against average drops to 3.1.

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Hockey Rink Open

The Recreation and Parks Department’s new roller hockey rink is now open for general public use by Garden City residents during the following days and times:

Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. to dark

Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. to dark

Thursdays 3:30 p.m. to dark

Saturdays Noon to 6 p.m.

Sundays - Family Skate 3 to 6 p.m.