Islanders Media Day Provides Preview for Upcoming Year

The New York Islanders are currently several years deep into their rebuilding process, but seven months from now, the team fully intends on securing one of eight playoff spots in the National Hockey League’s Eastern Conference.

At the Islanders Media Day on Tuesday, Sept. 21, Anton Newspapers was invited to an on-ice practice and locker room session with the team during training camp, and the energy surrounding the team mirrored its playoffs-or-bust mentality. 

Chiefs Handle Hicksville

In its 2010 season opener, the Chiefs 9-year-old team continued its winning ways from last season and beat the Hicksville Crusaders 33-20. The Chiefs Offense led by hard to catch quarterback Michael O’Connell had three touchdown runs and was able to move the ball because of the great blocking by the offensive line of Nick Monteforte, Kevin Parente, Patrick McTiernan, Anthony Giunta, Andrew Cho, Dylan Vincenti and Tight End Jason Eccher.

Old Westbury Teen Attends Hofstra Sportscasting Institute

Old Westbury resident Brendan May recently attended the Hofstra University Continuing Education Teen Sportscasting Institute, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary this summer.

The Institute offers students the opportunity to learn from well-known sportscasters, including Len Berman and Mike Breen. The program is directed by Ed Ingles, a veteran sportscaster who spent 25 years with WCBS radio and is now a professional-in-residence at Hofstra University’s School of Communication.

Three Carle Place Track Athletes Compete in Empire State Games

Joanna Koronios (senior), Nicole Scicolone (graduated in spring) and Samantha DeRidder (junior) all competed in the Empire State Games recently at the end of the school year.

Koronios won two gold medals for javelin and discus and was the only Long Island athlete to win two gold medals at the 2010 event. Scicolone earned two bronze medals in long jump and the 4x1 relay, while DeRidder finished sixth in the 400 intermediate hurdles.

Carle Place/Wheatley Football Prepares for Conference 3 Leap

Head Coach Tim Moran Confident His Frogs Will Compete  

The Carle Place/Wheatley Frogs, now entering the team’s fourth season as a joint program, is looking for senior leadership and a strong junior class to yield success as the team kicks off its inaugural season in Conference 3.

Head Coach Tim Moran, who once sported the kelly green and white before heading south to play for Towson University (MD), returns with the same coaching staff he’s had for five years, and hopes the system they’ve put in place will pay dividends in an unfamiliar and deeper conference.

Michael Schwitzer Earns Gold in Boys 13/14 Doubles Tennis at JCC Maccabi Games

The 2010 Maccabi Games were a great success this summer for the Sid Jacobson JCC as Westbury resident Michael Schwitzer took home the gold medal for boys 13/14 doubles tennis. Taking place in Omaha, Nebraska this year, the local delegation took home medals in every sport which they took part in. The five-day event featured Olympic style competition in which athletes ages 13-16 excelled.

Westbury Okinawan Karate August Testing and Reception

On Aug. 23, Westbury Okinawan Karate, which is offered by the Westbury Recreation Department, had a formal Testing and Reception Party. Sixteen students that met the attendance requirements and proficiency of the skills that are required were tested. The following students passed their test and were advanced to the next belt level:

District Attorney Rice Funds Free Character-Building Soccer Camp

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said that more than 80 local kids are learning valuable character building and citizenship skills this summer, in addition to playing soccer, at the DA’s Soccer Leadership Camp in Westbury. The eight-week camp is operated in partnership with the Leadership Training Institute and the Town of North Hempstead, which donates the use of Martin Bunky Reid Park for the camp. The Leadership Camp is one of many of the DA’s anti-gang and anti-violence initiatives for youth and is funded through the DA’s civil forfeiture assets.

Westbury Wolverines: Recreating the Magic

June was the kickoff for this year’s Tiny Mites Westbury Wolverines summer football season (ages range from 5-7). The Wolverines, headed by Coach Andrew Stewart and his assistants, set out to recreate the magic of being the undefeated champions of the 2009 season – a team that held their opponents scoreless all season long. While looking at the bevy of young, eager faces hanging on to every word that was spoken, Coach Stewart asked, “Are you going to win it all?” The players chanted in synchronized eruption of tiny voice they screamed, “YES!” They truly meant it.

MSG Varsity to Air Westbury Versus Harborfields Basketball Game

MSG Varsity is currently airing the “Top 10 High School Games” from the tri-state region during the summer. On Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., the channel will be airing the third place game featuring men’s basketball between Harborfields and Westbury High School.