Mineola High School's first track team in more than two decades has done itself proud in its season of rebirth. After continually improving as the winter indoor season progressed, the Mustangs made their make in the conference championships at SUNY Farmingdale on the final weekend of January.

The Lady Mustangs raced to an 8th place finish while the boys powered their way to 6th place overall in the Conference V standings, but a mere nine points behind the third place team.

Individually, as far as the girls were concerned, senior Co-captain Filomena Palumbo finished 6th in the shotput. Freshman Nicole Lapin leaped to a 4th place finish in the high jump and was awarded a medal. Meanwhile, in the individual boys competition, senior Trumainn Thurmond ran a personal best in the 300-meter run to finish third overall. Trumainn earned all-conference honors for his performance and brought home a medal. Sophomore Joe Stigliano won the high jump and was crowned conference champion, while also earning all-conference honors. The 4X400 meter relay team finished third overall. The foursome of Stigliano, Tim Palma, Anthony Wong and Thurmond were all awarded medals.

Thurmond and Stigliano will be honored at the Nassau County track and field dinner awards ceremony in March. Coach Kristin Degnan noted, "All the boys ran or threw personal bests."

The coach also congratulated all of the girls and boys on her team for a phenomenal season. At press time, it was not certain which of the Mustangs would be qualifying for the county meet.