The Gaels Corner

The Gaels Varsity Hockey Team (defending state champs) is off to a flying start having posted a 9 and 3 record against some topnotch competition. The team is led by Robert Rochford. Brian Boyle, Brian Mitchell, Chris Gartman and Rich Macklin. Coach Lazer is very optimistic about the new year and believes that "We are heading for another successful season." The varsity boys basketball team opened its season with a thrilling 68 to 54 victory over Queens rival St. Francis Prep. Yorki Eriksson (20 points), Joel Suarez (14 points and Street-and-Smith Honorable Mention All-American), Brice Petit (11 points) and Ryan Schneider (11 points) paved the way. Coach Tim Cluess is working the team hard in preparation for the tough Nassau-Suffolk Catholic High School League. Before that, however, is a 8 p.m. showdown with in-town rival Manhasset High School on Friday, Dec. 12. Be there!

Last week the administration honored students for their outstanding grades in the first marking period. Almost 33 percent of the students achieved first or second honors! Congrats to all!

More hoop news. The girls varsity basketball team is off to a fast start. The Lady Gaels defeated Lutheran High School and Mary Louis Academy behind the scoring of Jessica Ruggiero (27 points) and the passing and rebounding of Melissa Shanley and Kathryn Zajac. Coach Frank Zajac reports, "We should have a very good season." Good luck to the Lady Gaels!

Music teacher Sister Jane is working OT as the Christmas concert is fast approaching. Be there on Tuesday evening, Dec. 15 in Immaculata Hall. The 8 p.m. start will feature a variety of Christmas songs, sung by the talented students in Sister Jane's chorus classes. It promises to be a fun evening!

Final score. Faculty 51, students 48! What a night it was. Before a packed house in Marist Hall and under blue-grey November skies, the St. Mary's teachers, stumbled, slipped, fought and grappled their way to a hard-fought victory. It was the annual Senior-Faculty Basketball game and for the 15th year in a row, the seniors tasted the bitter pill of defeat. But following the game in a masterful show of respect and love, the students, teachers and alumni gathered together in the cafˇ for some light refreshments and to talk about how much fun it was. Smiles, hugs, and handshakes abounded, along with the ice and Band-Aids for the "older folks." Who can forget the memory of Father Kevin Smith gliding in for a dunk. Or about "lean and mean" Kevin Dillon caught in a tangle of arms and legs at mid-court. And don't forget Brother John hitting that jumper from the far corners. Who said he couldn't play? Yes, one of the better nights of the year was quite a show. And like the Dodgers of old, the students will have to "wait till next year."

Assistant Principal Tim Midwinter reports that more than 300 tickets have been sold for the last St. Mary's High School Winter Cotillion. DJ Toyz and DJ Spinz will be spinning the tunes and Marist Hall will be "rockin" and "rolling." It should be fun!

And that's a wrap! From all of us here at St. Mary's, we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!