For the first time in years, the Mineola track and field program can appreciate their training sessions. The newly-renovated surface at Mineola High School will provide the winter track athletes the opportunity afforded to each and every one of their Conference VI competitors. Girls head coach Kerry Cordova (once again subbing for Kristin Frazer) and boys head coach Mike Santa Maria are looking forward to see how the new facilities will motivate a spirited group of student-athletes.

The boys finished a surprising third last year with six performers named All-Conference. Defending champion Valley Stream North, runner-up North Shore and Nassau County cross county champion Oyster Bay return to Conference VI and will provide stiff competition for the Mustangs.

Depth will be the key for Mineola as a full roster enables the team to score consistently during each meet. Seaford, Manhasset, Cold Spring Harbor, Locust Valley, Wheatley, Malverne and Friends Academy complete the conference lineup.

Track is headed by the tri-captains, senior David Lopez (sprints and relays), juniors Greg Lapin (middle distance and relays) and Joe Wellbrock (distance). Wellbrock is a three-year All-Conference standout in cross country. Aiding these three will be senior Kevin Sung (middle distance) and junior Bryan Vesely (hurdles). A strong sophomore turnout includes Jonathan Vega in the sprints, Brendan Maloney and Jobin Abraham in intermediate races and Sal Massa at distance. Field events are led by captain John Englis and senior Alex Lopes in the shot put. Sophomores Bobby Port and Derek Cole balance the remainder of the squad.

The key meets for the season are the conference championships on January 29 followed by the county championships on February 9. Both competitions take place at Suffolk Community College.

Santa Maria begins his seventh season with the track program and introduces new assistant Greg Brink to the staff this winter. Santa Maria was a key cog to Frazer's success over the past few years with the girls program and has trained one All-State athlete while with the Mustangs.

The girls program gains an advantage with North Shore (led by young phenom Brianna Welch) moving out of Conference VI and replaced by Seaford. The other opponents are similar to the boys alignment. Valley Stream North is the current team to beat. The most important development to the girls program is the inclusion of senior Nicole Wissler. Wissler had a tremendous cross country season leading to a state placement and will concentrate on winter track to improve her recruiting possibilities. If Wissler repeats her fall success, the fortunes of this team will be considerably heightened.

Cordova believes this year's group must work hard on an individual basis to improve on last year's finish. She is counting on seniors Caitlyn Breen in the middle distances and sprinter Casey Siwinski along with junior Julie Novak to score regularly in head to head competition. A strong core of underclassmen is ready to make contributions toward a solid year for the Lady Mustangs. Cordova begins her second year as mentor of the girls squad and fourth year overall with the program.

Regardless of the outcome, the Mustang track program now figures prominently in Nassau County circles. The ability to retain talented coaches and recruit a sizable roster has now been complemented by improved conditions and facilities. This is a testament to the success that has followed the program over the last few years. No doubt it will continue.