Sixth grade is traditionally a significant time in the lives of young people. It usually marks the end of primary school education and often the beginning of adolescence. Voices deepen, bodies transform and, in Manhasset, a boy's PAL Youth Lacrosse career comes to a conclusion. And, while this was also true for Lester Petracca's sixth grade 1999 club, these young fellows certainly went out in style.

Superbly assisted by Andy Palmedo with occasional support from Aiden Schmidt, veteran coach Petracca led his charges to a league title, compiling a sterling 8-0 record against some of the great lacrosse powers from both Nassau and Suffolk Counties such as Sachem, Cold Spring Harbor and Lynbrook. While the 58 goals scored were very impressive, it is the paltry 12 goals allowed which really catches the eye. A good deal of the credit must therefore go to the twin terrors in the net, Chris Petracca and Randy Palmedo. They split the goaltending chores right down the middle and each displayed the kind of unselfish attitude so rarely found in modern youth sports.

Of course, both Chris and Randy insist that the real reason they yielded so few goals is found in the attitude and quality of the team's defensemen. Nick Colluzzo and Dan Rubino provided reliable and intelligent protection while Palmedo and Petracca also took turns as a defender when not manning the goal.

Excellent all-around athlete Kevin Kitt scored a couple of big goals for the Petracca Ten while also occasionally shifting back to help on defense where his size proved to be an asset. Equally versatile was Chris Monahan who made excellent progress during the season, while always being a model of hard work and determination.

And speaking of improvement, few would argue with the observation that the team's (and perhaps the league's) most improved player was the other starting defenseman, Tom Kaminsky. A year ago, he had never played lacrosse, but by the end of the season, there was no more impressive sight than speedy Tom on one of his Bobby Orr-like rushes from one end of the field to the other. In fact, Kaminsky notched the season's most spectacular play on his solo tour through most of the Lynbrook squad which was capped by a super face dodge and unassisted goal.

Up front, it was fitting that the Petracca legion was led by another family member, Chris' cousin Gavin. He truly defined the phrase "do-it-all attackman" and accounted for an astounding one-half of the squad's goal scoring. Not only was his offense prolific, but Gavin was consistent, notching goals in every contest and usually in bunches.

Obviously, there were more than a few middies who also made the offense hum. Chris Finn was second to Gavin Petracca in goal scoring and displayed his all-around skills in every contest. Clever Vaughn Redd also showed he could both score and pass with aplomb. Against Huntington, he registered a season-high seven assists.

Another middie who was a major contributor both on face-offs and as a scorer was the latest Connolly to make a splash on the Manhasset sports scene - Chris. Very effective on ground balls was the ever-persistent midfielder Chris Filippelli, which enabled Manhasset to earn a huge edge in possession every game.

Depth in the midfield was also made possible because talented players such as Michael Sama and R.J. Moulton were available. Mike was especially effective in snagging those elusive ground balls while RJ's quickness also was used on attack. Only playing his second year of organized lacrosse, John Powers was able to contribute to both offensive positions while rookie Jim O'Hanlon developed nicely as an increasingly alert middie.

Up front, some credited the Princeton offense, implemented by occasional assistant coach Spencer Baugher, three-time NCAA champion while playing for the Tigers. But, others took note of the diverse talent which backed up Gavin Petracca on attack. For speed and a great shot, the squad looked to cat-quick Joaquin De Rojas, who notched a number of critical goals. Big strong Dan Cotter added needed heft and hustle while Colin Grimes proved always reliable and also filled up the net a number of times. He also helped the man-up offense roar as Manhasset scored a bushel of goals when given the advantage.

Thus, it is pretty evident that this team had an awful lot of weapons for a group of sixth graders - two terrific goalies, aggressive defensemen and a deep, talented crew of midfielders and attackmen. However, even more important was the unique selflessness and spirit of genuine cooperation repeatedly demonstrated by the individual team members on numerous occasions. Not only did this make the team a winner in 1999, but it portends very well for the future of lacrosse in Manhasset.