Many high school students dream of playing professional sports, but only a very small percentage of even the best student athletes actually make it to stardom. Mineola Athletic Director Tony Gulli is concerned. He said, "Most student athletes do find other avenues of success after high school, but for some, poor performance closes the door to opportunity."

Mineola Schools Superintendent Dr. Harry Jaroslow and Mr. Gulli are committed to reaching out to these sports oriented kids, and to all kids for that matter. "Somehow, someway, there has to be an effort made to break out of the cycle of unrealistic expectations, cruel disappointment, and subsequent bitterness that can accompany student athletes as they seek to win fame and fortune in professional sports," said Dr. Jaroslow.

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver and NFL Players Association Vice President Lonnie Allgood, as well as former NY Giant tight end Al Dixon are making that effort! During the week of Feb. 22, Lonnie, Al and other former and current NFL and NBA players will be addressing students about the importance of pursuing higher education and "saying no to drugs."

Recently, Mr. Allgood spoke to a group of New Jersey high school students. He observed, "nerds were outcasts, because they studied a lot, but now who's running the country? The whole assembly shouted back, "The Nerds!" Lonnie should know. He graduated first in his high school class, scored 1400 on his SAT, and went on to play football at Syracuse University. A nerd by definition, but also a focused and successful student athlete. Mr. Allgood is now also a very successful businessman.

During the week of Feb. 22, the professional athletes will visit the Mineola schools for a series of heart-to-heart discussions with the kids. This week will culminate with a celebrity basketball game against community teams in the Mineola High School gym on Friday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Come on out and support the booster club in its efforts to help our student athletes. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling Tony Gulli at 739-4168, or Paul Cusato at 248-0849. Don't miss this year's "bigger event," it is sure to be a lot of fun.

With an impressive performance this past week, varsity keglers defeated the team from Lynbrook by a score of 11-0. Bowling well for the Mustangs were Tom Brown, 237, 189; John Randazzo - 246, 201; John Pirrone - 193, 190; and Anthony Scapiccio - 191. The JV team lost a tough match losing 8-3; however, solid games were bowled by Adam Tuthill - 216, 202; Billy D'Elia - 198 and Bryan Gallucci with a team high of 223.

Coach: Mark Miller

Game Date: 1/19/99 Opponent: Massapequa

Score: Mineola: 473 Opponent: 487

On Jan. 19, the Mineola Mustang Rifle Team had a super close Air Rifle match against Massapequa which it lost by all of 14 points 487-473. On the plus side, the team shot its highest team score of the year. Four of the six shooters shot their personal bests. They are Chris Kang - 154, Rick DiCandia - 154, Ricky Marques - 157 and top shot for Mineola Pio Park with a 162. Although the team only has one win after five Air Rifle matches it has improved their team scores in each one, going from a 409 to a 473. The above mentioned members along with Johnny Chang and Steve Bonetti are working hard and it's showing in the scores.

Coach: Mark Miller

Game Date: 1/21/99 Opponent: Calhoun/Mepham

Score: Mineola: 828 Opponent: 998

The Mineola High School Rifle Team had a Cartridge match on Jan. 21 against a strong team from Calhoun/Mepham. Although Mineola did shoot its best score to date in Cartridge, it lost decisively 998 to 828. Top scores for Mineola were Pio Park who shot a 228, Richy Marques - 215 and Chris Kang - 200.

Game Date: 1/26/99 Opponent: Freeport

Score: Mineola: 871 Opponent: 905

In a Cartridge match on Jan. 26 against Freeport all six of Mineola's shooters shot their personal bests but still came up 34 points short and lost 905 to 871. Chris Kang, Johnny Chang, Pio Park, Steve Bonetti, Ricky Marques and Hernani Magalhaes all shot their highest scores of the year in Cartridge which resulted in the team's highest score as well. In all four Cartridgew matches so far, Mineola has gotten better in each one going from a 763 to a 871. The top four scores counting in this match were Pio Park with a 249, Chris Kang - 234, Steve Bonetti - 199 and Ricky Marques - 189.