Well, the winter season is now over. All teams did extremely well, as evidenced by the many county awards won by our athletes which are listed elsewhere in this column. The winter season was capped off with a very successful "celebrity basketball game" which featured the professional athletes of the NFL and NBA, against teams from the Mineola community. The Mineola High School gymnasium was packed with fans who not only came out to watch a very entertaining game, but also to support the Athletic Booster Club in this important fund-raising effort.

The doors opened at 7 p.m., and there was an early rush of ticket holders who obviously wanted to be sure to get a good seat, as well as have an opportunity for an early autograph. Those of us who planned this event had no idea about the size of the players until they began to arrive at about 6 p.m. However, we were warned by athletic director Tony Gulli who had the pleasure of spending a day with two of the athletes on the preceding Monday when they spoke at the grammar schools and the middle school. Mr. Gulli also had the opportunity to have lunch with these athletes, so he knew just about how much food we would need to feed these very large men. Good thing we did. They sure can eat!

Among the early autograph signers was Mineola High School's own Reggie Carter. Reggie is an administrative assistant in charge of attendance and discipline, and was a former New York Knick. Reggie played at St. John's University where he still holds many school records. He happily signed autographs as he was warming up for the game. The excitement was heightened as a member and player Mark Danielson, as well as some of the PTA player moms from Hampton Street School who admitted that they were really nervous. The Booster Club's own John Cloughsy was the "golden throated" announcer for the evening, and the referee crew was rounded out by senior basketball player Bobby Manu, and Mike Rossi, a Booster Club dad who provided the comic relief.

Representing the professional athletes were: Al Dixon, former NY Giant, S.F. 49er; Lonnie Allgood, former Cincinnati Bengal; Tim Bassett, former NJ Net; Jabbar Jones, Portland Trailblazers; Jack Peavey, former Denver Bronco; Lou Jones, CBA player, Albany Platoons; Pooky Wiggington, former Seaton Hall standout; Derek Murphy, former Harlem Globe Trotter.

Playing for the community were the following teams: Nassau Sports Therapy "The Miracle Workers": Eileen Gallagher, MD; John Gallagher; Michael Gallagher MS, PT, SCS; Francis Lanzone, MD; Karen Leonardi; Kenna O'Leary; Mike O'Sullivan; Michelle Scapicchio; Kathy Stehle. Mineola Fire Dept. "Fantastic Flame Fighters" Jeff Clark, Chris Franz, Alby Maiolica, John Ryan, Mark Danielson, Steve Hopkins, Dave Patton, Rick Ueland, honorary coach, Chief Walter Langer. Mineola High School Booster Club "Barkley's Buddies" Mark Debrich, Paul May, Steph Xanthus, Jim Francis, Frank McGuinness, Jerry Zunno. Kiwanis Club of the County Seat "The Leaders" Senator Mike Balboni, Russ Burcheri, Dan McAllister, Sandy Schmidt, Cecilia Bastos, Paul May, Jim O'Connor, Robbin Valentine, Captain John Davanzo (MHS, Class of '41), Honorary Captain, Pete Owens, Lt. Governor, Kiwanis LI North Division. Hampton Street PTA "The Hericanes" Carol Barber, Mary Carr, Nancy Gessner, Ann June, Dale Oswald, Eileen Campbell, Annette Fabrico, Judith Granath, Kathleen O'Shea, Mary Reilly. Mineola High School Athletic Dept. All-Stars "The Wanna Bees"

Coach Marty "Red Auerbach" Joyce, Rory "The Cinder Block" Bohringer, Reggie "The Ringer" Carter, Darren "Jungle Jim" Luskoff, Jerril "The Wrapper" Navratil, Peter "Road Runner" Smith, Helmut "The Hammer", Marty "Mad Dog" Joyce, Mark "Hawk Eye" Miller, Paul "The Bricklayer" Pereira, Christine "The Rookie" Wiedman.

While I can't remember the score of each of the games, each game was a bundle of laughs, and very entertaining. Each team truly came ready to play, each had practiced in preparation, and each did their part to make the night a hugh success. The Mineola coaches did manage to tie their game 32 to 32. I don't know if some of them will do this again. Just ask coach Mark Miller what it was like standing under Jabbar Jones of the Portland Trailblazers when he executed one of his many powerful "dunks" of the night. I saw the look in Coach Miller's eyes. Give him credit, he stood in there as "Mr. Jones" did what he does for a living. Not too many of us mere mortals would have done the same.

Another highlight of the evening was when varsity girls soccer coach, and Mineola alumna, Christine Wiedman was invited out to shoot a foul shot for the professional players. Tim Bassett of the NJ Nets, and our own Mike Rossi did their best to "ice" Wiedman at the foul line. Coach Wiedman defied their distractions, insisting on turning around at the foul line and shooting the shot backwards. "Not a chance," thought Tim Bassett, Mike Rossi and the entire crowd. But Wiedman took the shot finding "nothing but net." The crowd went absolutely wild. Unfortunately, the TV news crew had just left. Highlight material for sure.

The Booster Club would like to thank all who came out to support this event. We would like to especially thank the many volunteers who helped to make this event such a success. You know who you are, and we thank each of you for your hard work. The success of this event will go a long way to strengthen the athletic programs at Mineola High School. We would also like to thank Mike McKenna of college bound student athletes for his help and generosity.

Reminder Applications for Booster Club summer camp sport scholarships are now available from middle school and high school coaches. In order to be considered for one of these awards, students must fill out an application, and return it to their coach. While membership in the Booster Club is not a requirement for these awards, it is strongly recommended. To become a member, call Florence Benedetto at 741-0002. Family membership is only $10. Why not join today? Support Mineola athletics!