Soccer Star Subject of New Book

Remembering Massapequa’s Great Soccer Heroine

The tragic story of a Massapequa girl who became a top-flight college soccer star, only to lose her life in an automobile accident, is now the subject of a book, one that examines the relationship between Patricia Louise Masotto and her father, Peter.
Dad’s Masterpiece: The Patricia Masotto Story, authored by Mineola resident Jeffrey M. Clark, is available from Strategic Book Publishing.

Local Athletes Score in Greenbelt Trail Run

Congratulations to Brendan Mims of Massapequa Park, Christopher Hamilton of Massapequa, Frank Lamagna of Massapequa, and Warren Drezen of Massapequa, each of whom successfully completed the Long Island Greenbelt Trail 25 Kilometer Run on Saturday, May 9.

The 29-year-old Mims completed the 31.107 mile course from the Plainview trailhead on Sunnyside Boulevard to the Cold Spring Harbor terminus of the Trail and back in 2 hours, 22 minutes, 13 seconds, putting him in 4th place overall. Hamilton finished in 45th place overall (3:12:11). Lamagna finished in 52nd place overall (3:18:22), and Drezen scored in 75th place overall (3:50:23).

Volleyball Players Set for Future

The office of Massapequa High School – Main Campus Principal Dr. James Grossane was filled with joy and good wishes as two members of the Varsity Volleyball team, coached by Carol Ann Habeeb-Kiel, met with their families, Dr. Grossane, and district director of health, athletics and physical education John Piropato to sign on the dotted line and accept scholarship money from two institutions of higher education.

Cejudo to Hold Wrestling Clinic at Massapequa High School

Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo will hold a Freestyle Wrestling Clinic at Massapequa High School providing high school wrestlers (USAW registered) with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with the best.

Some of the most competitive high school wrestlers from Long Island and across New York State will be participating in this unique clinic. Coaches will also have an opportunity to learn from this Olympic Champion in action. Following the clinic, a Freestyle dual meet will take place between Massapequa High School and Long Beach High School, which is sure to add excitement to an already memorable day.

Gina DiMartino to Join Rough Riders

Massapequa Native to Feature on Women’s Squad

The Long Island Rough Riders women’s team recently announced that United States Under-20 National Team player Gina DiMartino would be joining the W-League side for the 2009 season.

A native of Massapequa Park, DiMartino split time this past fall playing for Boston College and the United States team that won the 2008 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Santiago, Chile. In 60 career games with Boston College, DiMartino has compiled 30 goals and 20 assists. She was also named to the 2007 and 2008 preseason Hermann Trophy Watch List.

Back to Black: Bethpage State Park Preps for Return of U.S. Open

Preparations have long since been under way for the U.S. Open’s return to Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale this June.

At a May 4 Media Day press conference, United States Golf Association officials and local politicians praised U.S. Open organizers and offered information about the upcoming event.

USGA President Jim Vernon said the organization took an historic step in 1996 when it awarded the 2002 U.S. Open to the Bethpage Black Course.

A History of the Tackapausha Preserve

The Massapequa Preserve is partnered with another preserve that separates Massapequa and Seaford. From Jerusalem Avenue south to Merrick Road lies a narrow strip of land totaling 84 acres of an undisturbed upland forest of flowering dogwoods, hemlocks, hickory and mountain laurel.

During 1938, Nassau County acquired by a tax action the land that was to be developed for homes. However, because of the many streams, ponds and marsh land the builders decided to forgo the project.