Homecoming Day for Syosset Youth Football and Cheerleading League

On a beautiful sunny and warm Sunday, the Syosset Youth Football and Cheerleading League hosted its third annual Homecoming celebration. It was a true celebration, as all six teams won their games.

Much preparation went into hosting this event, and SYAC organizers would like to thank Jay Morales and Upbeat Entertainment for providing the DJ and play-by-play commentary during the games, Park Supervisor Frank Pancetta and his team in the park for getting the field in tip-top shape and maintaining it throughout the day, Ray McCauley from MyPhotoPix.com for taking actions shots of each game,  Anthony Castelli from La Parma Restaurant for manning the barbecue and feeding everyone sausage and peppers throughout the day, Doreen Nocella, Scotty and Debbie Altman for working the concession stand, Anthony Nocella for stocking the concession stand, Tina Mourelatis and Susan LaBianca for decorating the field and Shannon and Sarah DeVito for manning the clothing sales table.

Jericho Jayhawks Play Hard, But Lose to Mepham Pirates

The Jericho Jayhawks took the field on a hot humid afternoon, with only 26 players, to face the Mepham Pirates. These young men gave their hearts and souls to score as many points as possible and defend their goal to prevent the opponent from scoring. The score of this game was not a good representation of the way these boys played football, which included, for instance, four sacks on one drive.

Jericho came out and kicked off to the Pirates to begin the game on defense, which seems to be one of their strong points. Mepham held the ball for almost eight and a half minutes on their first offensive drive, which came to a complete halt as the Pirates were forced to attempt a field goal, which was successful.

SYAC Travel Softball Teams in Action This Fall

The fall season is in full swing for SYAC Girls Travel Softball. The four Syosset teams played seven games this past weekend, Sept. 17-18.

Three teams play under the name Syosset Cyclones. The U10 Cyclones junior team, playing in the Manhasset PAL North Shore Classic league, opened their season against Manhasset on Sunday, Sept. 18. The U10 Cyclones senior team, playing in the East Meadow Fall Classic League, had games both Saturday and Sunday. The U12 Cyclones, playing in the NJBL league, opened their season with a pair against the Longwood Thunder on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Jericho Hawks Football Team Defeats Bellmore at Homecoming

Jericho’s Homecoming was filled with music, rides, food, and a football game against Bellmore JFK that filled the stands. Jericho seemed to be all revved up as they took the field and elected to kick first as Coach Martinez called for a high short onside kick, which unfortunately came up short.

JFK, on its third play of the first series, turned the ball over on a fumble after a hard hit by Jericho’s defensemen. The first offensive call went to Jordan Brett, and the first offensive drive began with a nine-yard pop right up the gut. Chandler Kirby dropped back on the third down and found Cory Cacciola on a 30-yard pass attempt, which went in and out of his hands, and Jericho was forced to punt.

SYAC Travel Softball Launches Fall Season

With summertime a sweet and recent memory, the fall season of softball got underway this week for SYAC Girls Travel Softball. Two of four Syosset travel softball teams were in action on Sunday, Sept. 11, and the other two teams (U10 Cyclones junior and U12 Cyclones) will commence play this weekend.

The Syosset Cyclones, playing in the East Meadow U10 Senior League, took on the East Meadow Fillies and fell by a score of 13-6. After a rough start, the Cyclones battled back in the late innings. Syosset bats came alive against the Fillies, and a last-inning rally was capped with a mighty home run to center field by Jenn Swing, who was named MVP of the game for Syosset. Pitching for Syosset were Caroline DiCostanzo, Gianna Bamonte and Nicole Avidon.

Jericho Athletic Association Intramural Basketball Registration Begins

Registration for Jericho Athletic Association (JAA) Intramural Basketball for grades K-6 is now open online. Please go to the JAA website at www.jaasports.org to register. The deadline is Oct. 24, after this date, your child is not guaranteed placement on a team, and, a late fee of $50 will be applied. For more information, please contact the JAA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Once again, Rob Karen will be running the travel basketball program. The JAA also has some great new coaches coming in this year. The feedback forms sent to all parents at the end of last season provided very helpful insight, which should contribute to making this season the best one yet.

Skate Safe America Hosts Second Annual Empire Skate Showdown

Gotham Girls’ Wall Street Traitors Triumph in Roller Derby Tournament, LI Roller Rebels Advance to Semi-Finals

Roller derby skaters, or “Derby Girls,” from all over the state descended on Skate Safe America in Old Bethpage on Saturday, Sept. 3 for the Second Annual Empire Skate Showdown. While there was plenty of the traditional glitter and fun associated with the sport, the all-day contest to determine the best female roller derby team in New York State for 2011 brought out the kind of physical, aggressive play that football and hockey fans could appreciate.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, the action of roller derby takes place during two-minute intervals called jams. There are three positions: The scorer, called a jammer, scores points for her team by lapping members of the opposing team during a jam. Skaters of the second position, called blockers, try to block the other team’s jammer from passing them. The third position is the pivot, who sets the pace for the blockers and acts as their leader.

Jericho Varsity Football: First Game of the Season This Saturday

After a one-year hiatus, Jericho Boys Varsity football is back. Most of the players played together last year at the Junior Varsity level, where coach William Martinez led the team to a 8-0 season. A couple of the Jericho players were also able to play with the Herricks Varsity team last year.

Registration Opens For Fourth Annual Grillo & Associates Blazing Trails 4-Autism Four Mile Run

Registration is open for the 4th annual edition of the Grillo & Associates Blazing Trails 4-Autism 4 Mile Run/Walk, to be held on Sunday morning, Oct. 23, 201l at the Great Neck South High School/Middle School campus. Every runner, walker and supporter of families who are dealing with autism is invited to be part of this year’s event. Specifically, the event will benefit the Eden II and Genesis Foundation, which supports children and adults with autism through specialized programs designed to help them achieve the highest possible quality of living throughout their lives.

Greater Long Island Running Club Hosts Memorial Run For Bob Lasky

Bob Lasky’s sudden and untimely passing on Aug. 8 was a tremendous blow to the local running community, and the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC), under the leadership of club executive board member Paul Fetscher, honored Lasky’s memory two weeks later with a special memorial “fun run” on the Long Beach Boardwalk on the evening of Aug. 22.