In December 2006, the Long Island Lizards of MLL announced the formation of a fully sponsored U-15 Boys National Travel Team. "We felt that in order to create a boys team that represented the best of Long Island we wanted to get the best and we were able to eliminate family finances as a condition to participation on this team," said Lizards President Dave Kotowski.

The strategy paid off big for the Lizards as their junior spin-off swept through New Jersey's Tri-State Tournament, the prestigious Summer Sizzle in Baltimore and the Long Island Braves Tomahawk Tournament at Hicksville's Cantiague Park, winning all three tournaments undefeated. The team, which includes Hicksville's own Brandon Gamblin on attack, finished their last 25 games without a loss.

"More important than the victories was the fact that these boys demonstrated responsibility, discipline, teamwork and commitment to each other on and off the field," said Kotowski.

The selection of an independent coaching staff was as important as the selection of the players over two days by 21 evaluators in January. Kotowski's selection of no-nonsense lacrosse purist Mike Winkoff as head coach, aided by Vincent Della Speranza (offense) and John Nessler (defense) provided the leadership that the team needed to get everyone pulling together as a team.

"Any team can be great on paper, but they still have to get it done on the field. Coaching a group with incredible talent is a challenge, especially given limited spring practice time - we found ways to get the boys pulling together on and off the field," said Winkoff, adding that the team's "sponsor and the Lizards understood what we needed and supported us fully."

The Long Island Junior Lizards are proud to announce their return for the 2008 season. Once again all of the teams will be fully sponsored. This year the organization will have three teams, U16 boys, U14 boys and U14girls. Tryouts will be held in late September and October. Visit the Long Island Junior Lizards website at www.longislandjuniorlizards.com for more details.