By now, most of you know that the Lady Mustang softball team has won the Long Island Class B softball title. They played for the State Championship on Saturday, June 13. It has been a truly spectacular year for the girls. This team has a uniqueness unlike any other team in recent Mineola HS history. Behind the headlines of Katie Zunno's impressive performances on the mound is a seasoned team of talented ballplayers who came together this year to provide the offense and defense that wins ball games. The leadership came from captains Kristina Tsabasis and Katie Zunno, and also from the depth of the personalities of each player on the bench. They all contributed to making this team unbeatable. The solid infield of Theresa Sommer at third, Kristin Cusato at short, Kristina Tsabasis at second and Erin Cloghessy at first. The outfield that rarely gave up an extra base hit made up of Leslie Brown in center, Sarah Waters in right and Kristin Cunningham and Tracee Eager in left. And let us not forget the player who caught every one of Katie Zunno's 59 MPH fastballs, catcher Lauren Georges. The team also had players that Coach Vitale could call upon at any time to fill in wherever needed, and on a moment's notice. Players like these are important to a team, and their roles on and off the field sometimes make the difference in the chemistry of a winning team. This year, these role players were Lauren Scala, Melissa Danielson, Tara Georges and Mary Beth Brennan.

Hopefully the Lady Mustangs will bring home any state championship to the Mineola school community. Whatever the outcome of the state tournament, the community is proud of what these young ladies have accomplished. They have represented their school and community admirably, and for that they are to be congratulated.

The Mineola School District Director of Health, Physical Ed. and Athletics is Anthony Gulli. Proud does not quite describe his feelings about the events of the last few weeks. Here he has written about his feelings following the Long Island Championship game on June 9.

Tuesday, June 9, 3 p.m. Mitchel Field Complex, the Girls Class A and B Long Island Championship Game. Now that I have set the stage for a "Dramatic Play," let's talk. I was the most proud of the four athletic directors present. Yes, there were four teams there even though the responsive, thrill seeking, exuberant, loud, extremely supportive, and most importantly to me the true sportsmen were the "twelfth man," you the loyal Lady Mustang fans! Thank you is extended to all of the students, alumni, community members, teaching staff from all buildings, administrators and board of education members whose fanaticism and school spirit rose well above all other schools present. It absolutely sent chills up and down my spine to see the positive, loyal support being exhibited on every pitch, hit strike, and great play in the field!

Thank you one and all for the breath of fresh air in the game of sport! Looking forward to the same in Clifton Park for the State Championships, this Saturday, June 13. Hopefully by the time you read this article, the State Championship is a done deal!

Yes, the spring has belonged to the Lady Mustangs and justifiably so. We applaud your attitude, drive, dedication and competitiveness and it has been the Katie Zunno year! Katie, never forget your roots; because your roots will never forget you!

Once again, thanks for fulfilling and continuing my dream of "The True Sportsmanship Community That Mineola Truly Is."

On Tuesday evening, June 2, the Booster Club held its annual awards dinner. This year, the room was filled to capacity, as athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and school board members converged on the New Hyde Park Knights of Columbus Hall for a memorable evening. The evening began with comments from Booster Club President Paul May who thanked the many members who helped make this year one of the best. Paul encouraged all parents to get involved in whatever way they can, promising that the experience is well worth the effort. Paul then recognized a member of our community who has been very supportive of Mineola athletics. On behalf of the entire Booster Club, sincere thanks were extended to Williston Park resident Bernard Kennedy who received a standing ovation.

The program was then turned over to Tony Gulli who reflected on this past year, and then introduced each varsity team coach. The coaches introduced each player present, and spoke of the team and individual athletes successes. Each coach spoke with bitter sweetness of the senior players who would be leaving the high school to attend college or start their careers. The evening culminated in the awarding of the "best athlete" awards. The best female athlete of 1998 was Katie Zunno and the best male athlete in 1998 was Mario Villa.

The Booster Club looks forward to seeing many new faces next year at the September meeting. Please join us!