When Laurie Logan took over as the Island Trees head coach in girls softball, she had three things going for her: Assistant Coach Ed Price; Jamie P., one of the best pitchers in Nassau County; and a bunch of seniors. They finished runners-up in the finals.

Then, she and Coach Price had a task that was no easy job for any coach. Fortunately they had AllCounty first baseman Chrissy DeMott (junior) who went to the mound with two experienced seniors, Jacklyn Habermehl and Carol Lehman (all-county catcher, all-conference third base this year) and a couple of juniors, a group of sophomores and a freshman. They had to go out and face experienced and balanced teams like Plainedge, MacArthur, Glen Cove, and Seaford. They took heartbreaking losses, either last inning or by one run.

The coaches didn't give up. The girls didn't give up. The positions on the field would change, the lineup would change. The fans often questioned, 'Why this, why that?' If you were never in their shoes or at every two or three hour practice, or seperated in two gyms with two coaches drilling, teaching, and watching, knowing the girls' attitudes, attendance at practice, and last but not least girls softball, which Coaches Logan and Price have a reputation for, don't criticize. You know, sometimes a coach doesn't want to say to a parent, 'Your son/daughter doesn't have it or to be kinder, hasn't earned it yet.'

I've watched this team as close as anyone. I've talked to the girls, coaches, parents, fans, umpires, and coaches from other schools. I've coached girls softball and was president of a reputable softball league. I learned something each year and each game. I pick the brains of people who have been around the game longer than me (10 years) and who know more. I didn't agree with every move and decision these coaches made throughout the year but by the end of the season I learned why or just accepted their decision. You heard the expression, It's the Ump's call, well, it's the coaches' call. I don't know where the Lady Dawgs will finish in the playoffs, but I do know they learned what they were taught and I think these coaches know the game.

I hope the team goes far, but wherever they do go, they should thank Coaches Logan and Price. Thanks for the lesson, coaches.

Gene Grella