The Hicksville PAL 4th grade lacrosse team, Black Blaze has completed a successful 2001 season. This concludes the second year together as a team for the Blaze. In summer 2000 and winter 2001 the Blaze played in the Long Island Lacrosse League at SUNY Farmingdale winning 1st place championship in both leagues.

The Blaze used the motivation from their championship wins to lead them to success this spring season. The team went 6-2 in season games. Game scores included: Win 8-7 vs. Port; Win 10-6 vs. E. Meadow; Win 7-3 vs. Wantagh; Loss 10-11 vs. Farmingdale; Win 7-1 vs. Oceanside; Win 9-4 vs. Garden City; Win 5-1 vs. Lynbrook; Loss 5-8 vs. RVC.

Ground balls, passing, running, scoring and defending were the goals of team Blaze this season. The team even set up certain plays in which they call by name and use effectively on the field. "Lacrosse is a sport that takes people with a lot of patience to teach 9 and 10 year olds the game. The Hicksville Blaze would like to thank those coaches who put so much time and energy into practices, games, scrimmages and scheduling. But above all for being the best coaches and role models around," stated a team representative. "Thank you to Head Coach Artie Whitmarsh, Assistant Coaches John Hupfer and Rich Leary and Team Manager Art Whitmarsh. The Blaze also thanks Casey Hupfer and Heather Hock for their time at the table keeping time and score at the games."

Now introducing, for the first time, the Hicksville Blaze, the hopeful 2009 County Champs! Beginning with the most outstanding 4th grade goalie around, Bobby Morrissey. Bobby devotes his time to tending the cage as the last line of defense for the Blaze. He makes incredible saves and calls out plays to get the team back down the field. Blaze field players include: Kyle Antonik, Tyler Arnone, Marco Cashman, Mike Castagna, Nick Ferrara, Brian Freire, Robert Gulmi, Cory Hupfer, Frankie Kierchiem, Ian Leary, Eric Lehman, Eddie Loftus, Matt McBride, Pat McCallion, Ryan Reichmann, Bobby Whitmarsh.

"Congratulations again to the entire Hicksville Blaze team and staff. Good luck in the summer league beginning soon. Visit the Black Blaze on their website www.eteamz.com/hicksblack for more information on and photos of the team," added the team representative. The team would also like to congratulate the Hicksville High School varsity team on a great season and their 2001 Nassau County Finals Runner-Up distinction in a 9-10 final game.