The Mineola High School girls track and field team continues to write an amazing story, especially for a program that did not even exist five years ago. With very little in the way of track and field facilities, the girls track team has grown into one of the best in Nassau County. On Jan. 21, the winter track team won the conference championship meet and in doing so, unseated defending champion North Shore 120-97.

Coaches Kristin Degnan and Mike Santa Maria have built a strong program in a very short time. On this night at Farmingdale State University's facility, Mineola's accomplishments were prolific. Julia Yan set the tone for the evening in the 1,000 meters.

"I told Julia she needed to finish in the top four and try to break up the North Shore runners. Julia ran her heart out, improving her time by nine seconds and finishing second. She came off the track very emotional and said she wanted the championship and so did the team. From that moment on, the tone was set for the night," said Degnan.

The performances kept on coming and so did the medals. Mineola scored points in every event except the hurdles. Among the individual champions, Lauren Mobyed won the 1,000 and 1,500-meter races. The foursome of Julia Yan, Christina McCarthy, Lauren Mobyed and Katie Keegan won the 4X400 relay. Allie Kain, Alia Fater, Kaitie Carter and Kasey Hughes took the 4X200 relay, marking the third straight year Mineola has won the Conference title in this event. Kain and Hughes have run on three of those relay teams.

For a team to win a conference meet, though, other athletes have to score points, even if they don't win their respective events. They have to place. In addition to the conference champions, Kristin Mobyed finished second in the 3,000, 600 and 300-meter runs. After her inspiring second place finish in the 1,000-meter run, Yan also took third in the 600-meter run. Hughes took second in the 55 and third in the 300. Carter was third in the 55-meter run. Nicole Lapin took third in the high jump while the relay team of Fater, Jen Port, Grace Mortorella and Jenn Pawlowski finished third in the 4X800-meter relay.

Other medal winners were Lapin with a fourth place finish in the 55-meter run and Lauren Massa, who took fourth in the 1,500-meter race/walk.

Meredith Minsky added points for the team when she took fifth in the shot put with her best throw of the season.

Degnan said there were many stories from the conference meet that were inspiring including Kristin Mobyed's performance in the 300-meter run. "Kristin knew we needed big points in this event. She was neck-and-neck with two other runners as they approached the finish line. She literally threw herself over the line and landed on her stomach. The coaches, the athletes and spectators were speechless," said Degnan, shaking her head in amazement.

The girls lined the entire track all night, cheering for their teammates with unconditional support. The team has developed a bond and a spirit of selflessness and camaraderie. "The girls are selfless. They will do anything for each other," Degnan said. "I had several coaches and officials come over to comment on the spirit of our team. Coach Santa Maria and I are so grateful for the effort and dedication these athletes put forth on a daily basis. Winter track is difficult because the athletes are either running in the cold weather or running indoors, putting extra pressure on their shins and legs. But these girls never complain. They are a special group."

Coach Degnan also gave credit to Santa Maria for key decisions that led to success at the meet. Santa Maria set up the race in the 55-meter and it paid off as Mineola scored 18 points with second, third and fourth place finishers.

During the competition, the girls even thought of a fellow classmate. The girls left practice on Thursday, Jan. 20, completely prepared for the conference meet. They were excited and ready, but when they arrived on school Friday morning, they were faced with the death of one of their classmates, Cassandra Falls, who tragically passed away.

The girls requested and received permission from meet officials to wear black ribbons on their uniforms in memory of Cassie.

"Coach Santa Maria and I knew they were true champions before they even ran an event that night," said Degnan.

There has been a scholarship fund started at Mineola High School in Cassandra Falls' memory. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Cassandra Falls Memorial Scholarship can do so by sending a check payable to Mineola High School and indicate the check is for the Cassandra Falls Scholarship on the memo line. Checks can be sent to Mineola High School, 10 Armstrong Road, Garden City Park, NY 11040 to the attention of Dr. Nagler, Principal. Donations can also be delivered to the high school main office.

The Lady Mustangs will next compete in the county championships on Feb. 3 at Suffolk Community College.

The Mineola girls junior varsity bowling team was in first place in its conference as of Jan. 14. The team was ranked first in all categories including high average, high series and high game. Desiree Perez is ranked second in the high game category with a 178. Jill Shanahan is ranked third with a high game of 170. Melissa Fusco is ranked third in the conference with a 411 series and a 124 average. Coach Valerie Liese pointed out Fusco has bowled well over her average when she was moved to bowl on varsity. Stephanie Badger has rolled a number of 150-plus games in critical matches to help the team win. First time bowler Jessica Witt has been a reliable and enthusiastic member of the team. The girls are hoping to finish in first place, according to the coach.