It is March: the crocuses are peeking through; winter is coming to a close; gardeners are in the clean-up-and-fertilize mode and, in Manhasset, it is PAL Lacrosse time again. This writer was there when the "Big Bang" took place, 35(?) years ago. The program has not slowed down but is actually expanding. For the first time, 7th and 8th graders who are not affiliated with a school team or who have no program in their school can join the 7th-8th grade traveling team.

There will be the traditional Saturday morning intramural. All must participate (except 7th and 8th graders). All players will meet at the Munsey Park School field on Saturday during the month of March at 10 a.m. Coaches will be grading the players to make their teams. They will be running drills aimed at sharpening the fundamental skills and teaching the rules of lacrosse at these sessions. The first and second grades will meet Saturday, April 10 at Munsey Park Field at noon. This later start date allows for better weather considering the younger age of these players. This program will be in the form of a continuous clinic of teaching the game -- fun and fundamentals for the younger players -- and will continue through June. All parents are welcome for all programs.

With the great turnout of players, Commissioner Bill Miller et al, will field three traveling teams in each of grades 3, 4, and 5. The 6th grade will have two traveling teams. The skill levels seems to get better every year. Dozens of PAL Lacrosse alumni are currently playing college lacrosse throughout the country. The consistently superior Manhasset HS core of players learned their game on the Munsey Park Field.

So come on out and take part in a great Manhasset tradition -- PAL Lacrosse.

As the 1999 lacrosse season approaches, the Gaels are looking to raise a few eyebrows as a great deal of talent is back for a run at the CHSAA championship. Led by first-year coach, Pat Sullivan, the Gaels return six starters from last year's team which made it to the semifinals. Despite the transfer of two-time Empire State player, Joe McDermott, the Gaels feel that they could be even better than last year. Returning Captain Brian Boyle looks to lead the experienced team to the same success St. Mary's has had over the last 16 years. "I feel that we will play more as a team this season. We have a great deal of talent and we are hungry to make it back to the turf," stated Boyle.

From the top to bottom, the starting line-up is very solid. Three-year starter and second-team All-League attackman, Joe Diele, is looking to have a breakout season after last year's 40-goal success. Diele will have to do much of the feeding as well because of the loss of Paul Nicosia. "I feel that if we go into this season with great determination and a positive attitude combined with the enthusiasm of our new coaches, the team should have a great year. My senior teammates are looking forward to a fun-filled season playing together for the last time before moving on to the college level," commented Diele.

At midfield, Boyle is looking to step-up his game after scoring 51 goals last season. He comes into the season with tremendous confidence to go along with outstanding moves and a great shot. Senior Bryan Smith is a strong athletic player with a hard shot. He scored some big goals last year and is looking to contribute even more this season. Sophomore James Devins rounds out the midfield. Devins is a young, quick player who has great field vision and is very anxious for the season to begin.

Despite the offensive threat that the Gaels possess, many feel that the defense will be the strength of this year's team. The Gaels will return three starters: Senior Joe Dunn, recipient of last year's Unsung Hero Award, is very quick, has excellent stick skills and is a great ground ball handler who will be doing most of the clearing. Senior Mike Hughes, is a strong, tough defender who will be a real force this season. Rounding out the team is senior goalie Paul Fiore, the quarterback of the defense. Fiore is a great goalie who plays with a great deal of composure under pressure. "I think that our defense is going to be very good because we have been playing together for so long and it will be difficult for our opponents to beat us," stated Dunn.

There are a few disbelievers who feel that St. Mary's will not be as strong this year as they have been in recent years. However, with some excellent younger talent joining the veterans, the Gaels will have a program that remains alive and well. "Even though I am ineligible to play this season, it will be nice to see St. Mary's team make it to the turf," concluded Paul Nicosia.

Bro. Kenneth Robert

Athletic Director