The Mineola boys varsity track and field team turned in another outstanding season this spring. Coach Mike Santa Maria's squad was made up of seven seniors, two juniors, six sophomores and two freshmen. The season highlight was the team's first ever trip to the 110th Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

"This meet featured not only the best high school track and field athletes from around the country, it also included the top collegiate and professional athletes," noted coach Santa Maria.

The Mustang 4X400 relay team of Avi Thomas, Craig Strein, Joe Stigliano and Alex Jansen ran a 3:34.9 and beat the school record by two seconds. The time also turned out to be the fastest of the season for the quartet.

The Mineola squad took third place in the Division Championships at North Shore High School. Five Mustangs earned All-Conference honors - Avi Thomas in the 200-meter run, long jump and triple jump; Tom Varughese in the 400-meter run; Alex Jansen in the 800-meter run; John Reicherter in the discus; Joe Stigilano in the high jump.

In addition, the 4X400 relay team made up of Tom Varughese, Robby Stigliano, Jerelle Harrison and Joe Stigliano earned All-Division honors.

The Mustangs went on to take sixth place in the county championship meet at Mitchel Field. Two boys earned All-County honors. Avi Thomas was county champion in the triple jump and Chris Boeshore was county champion in the pole vault. Thomas went on to finish third at the state meet and was named All-State.

Coach Santa Maria wanted to congratulate all the boys on a great season. He also says goodbye to the following athletes whose accomplishments are noted:

Chris Boeshore - Two-time county champion in the pole vault.

Calvin Chan - Team captain, improved his 400-meter time by more than 10 seconds and his long jump by more than three feet.

Jerelle Harrison - Long jumped over 19 feet, second fastest 100 meter run in school history.

John Reicherter - Threw discus consistently over 120 feet.

Chris Silverman - Improved his 200-meter time by over five seconds and his long jump by nearly three feet.

Joe Stigliano - Team captain, school record holder in the high jump at 6'2'', anchored the 4X400 relay team.

Avi Thomas - Team captain, school record holder in the 100 meters at 11.2 seconds, 400 meters at 52.6, 110 in the high hurdles at 15.9; long jump at 20'9'', triple jump at 42'6.5'' and pentathlon with 3,034 points.

Alex Jansen - Holds school record in the 800-meters at 2:06.4, 3,200-meters at 11:17, 400 hurdles at 65.5 and 3,000-meter steeplechase at 11:25.