GC Sports Wrap-Up 2023

Sports Wrap-Up 2023

Friday, June 30, 2023

To All Sports Teams

Hoops for Hope 2023 brings community together

GRIMALDI’S WILL BE OPEN

4th OF JULY

Let Grimaldi’s Host Your Next Event!

Birthdays, Rehearsal Dinners, Communions, Sports Team, Anniversaries, Funeral Luncheons, Confirmations, Showers

GRIMALDI’S PARTY PACKAGES

$32/Person (3-HOUR PACKAGE)

Coffee • Tea • Soda

Mixed Green Salad/Caesar Salad

Antipasto/Tomato & Mozzarella

Assorted Pinwheels

One Large Calzone per Table (with side of sauce)

Unlimited Pizza with Toppings

$35.00/Person - Add a Pasta Course

$40.00/Person - Add a Chicken/Eggplant Entrée

$24.00/Person - Beer / Wine Package

$34.00/Person - Open Bar Package

you may bring your own cake. $5 Cake Cutting Fee. all gratuity on party packages must be paid in cash.

WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH AND DINNER

DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

MON–SAT: 11:30AM–10PM

SUN: 11:30AM–9PM

Delivery through:

Grimaldi’s Gift Certificates Make A Perfect Gift For Any Occasion!!

(516) 294-6565

980 Franklin Avenue, Garden City www.grimaldisgardencity.com

Hoops for Hope on March 6 was an amazing afternoon in a packed GC High School gym watching GC’s Challenger basketball team play an entertaining game. Throw in a terrific halftime performance from the Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders and Kicklines, and those that were in attendance had a great time. The event once again benefited the I’m Not Done Yet foundation in memory of Bobby Menges. Photos

by Ed Rotondo

Hoops for Hope was a huge success and brought smiles to the participants.

Photos by Ed Rotondo

GCHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team NYS Champions

The Garden City High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse team won the New York State Championship for the second year in a row with a hard-fought 9-8 victory over Victor High School.

Garden City High School 2023 Varsity Baseball

2023 was a really great year for the High School Varsity team. Overall, they finished with an 18-5 overall record in Conference Play. The playoff rounds saw them disposing of Mineola, and South Side in the first two rounds, but saw them lose two hard fought games to the eventual Champions, Levittown Division.

There were so many highlights throughout the season. Watching the boys play together as a team was an absolute thrill. They all cheered and pulled for each other on every pitch, and every play. While the season ended short of their goal, there were important life lessons learned by all the boys.

Commitment, self-discipline, teamwork, mental toughness, handling of failure, resilience, dedication, responsibility, integrity, compassion, the will to succeed, and never giving up. These boys displayed these traits every single day, whether on the practice fields, or in the heat of competition. These lessons will stay with them and serve them well as they continue their respective journeys. And for these reasons, our boys are clear winners.

While everyone deserves mention, there were some boys who were singled out for their fine seasons. The Garden City High School 2023 Baseball awards are as follows:

William J. Lucano Pitching Award – Outstanding Pitcher – Gabe Beschloss (41 IP, 7 wins, 69 Ks, 1.71 ERA)

Frank Kiernan Award – Most Valuable Player – Jack Fanning (.415 BA, .551 OBP, 27 hits, 3 HRs, 27 RBIs, 20 runs, 12 SBs)

William Goss Memorial Award

– Dedication Award – Evan Cabral (Batting .385 BA, .542 OBP, 25 hits, 4 HRs, 30 RBIs, 25 runs – Pitching 35.2 IP, 5 wins, 66 Ks, 3.14 ERA) and Matthew Tusiani-Eng (Batting .370 BA, .471 OBP, 27 hits, 20 RBIs, 20 runs, 9 SBs – Pitching (18.2 IP, 3 wins, 19 Ks, 4.13 ERA)

The Frederick Stutzmann, Jr. Award – Matt Guida (.338 BA, .467 OBP, 24 hits, 21 RBIs, 16 runs).

On June 15, the 2023 Nassau County Baseball Awards Dinner was hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale. These awards were voted on by the coaches in the league and are quite prestigious. Our award winners are as follows:

All County Award – Evan Cabral, Gabe Beschloss and Jack Fanning

All Conference Award – Matt Guida and Danny Psaki (.440 BA, .488 OBP, 33 hits, 20 RBIs, 19 runs, 7 SB). All League Award – Matthew Tusiani-Eng

We say a special goodbye to our graduating seniors. Capt. Matthew TusianiEng will continue playing baseball for Utica University. Derek Santeramo will continue his playing career at SUNY Maritime. Capt. Matt Guida is headed for Bentley University. Aiden Walsh is going to Delaware University and Kyle Ippolito will be attending The University of Mississippi.

Lastly, special thanks to coach David Izzo and Ray Chaputian for leading our boys to such a fine season. As we close the chapter on 2023, here is looking ahead to Opening Day 2024! I have no doubt that this talented core has what it takes to win it all next year.

2023 Nassau County Baseball Awards.

Left to right: Graduating seniors Derek Santeramo, Matt Tusiani-Eng, Kyle Ippolito, Aidan Walsh and Matt Guida.

Photo by Ed Rotondo

2023 Garden City Varsity Baseball Team.

Top row (left to right): Jimmy Trocchia, Evan Cabral, Braden Soutar, Michael Larocca, Capt. Matthew Tusiani-Eng, Brady Karol, Gabe Beschloss, Nick Remick, Aidan Walsh, Xander Palmer, Joe Carey, Derek Santeramo, Capt. Matt Guida, Chris Desiderio, Danny Psaki.

Bottom row: Jack Fanning, Matt Liberopolous, Sean Leanardo, Stamati Makrinos, Kyle Ippolito, Paul Glosman, Skylar Lang, Tyler Gorman, Justin Baiker, and Josh Cohen.

Photo by Ed Rotondo

Garden City High School 2023 Baseball Awards.

SPF IS YOUR BFF

Athletes are at a high risk for developing skin cancer and outdoor sports create double jeopardy because perspiring increases sun burn risk.

Stephen Piscotty, 32, Chicago White Sox’s outfielder was diagnosed with melanoma on his ear (June, 2019).

Is sunscreen part of your daily athletic training program?

If you notice a spot or an existing one that changes, itches or bleeds, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

It could save your life!

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS -TRIPLE CUP WINNERS BEST DANCE STUDIO BEST DEBUT STUDIO BEST MUSICAL THEATRE STUDIO

BEST DANCE SCHOOL 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 & 2023 BEST AWARDSCHOREOGRAPHY 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 2021, 2022 & 2023

B roadway B ound Dance Center of Garden City

SUMMER

DANCE CLASS SCHEDULE

A UNIQUE PAY AS YOU GO PROGRAM

Tuesdays During July And August

TUESDAYS: JULY 11, 18, 25 AND AUGUST 1, 8 AND 15

3:00 Acro (Ages 3-7)

4:00 Ballet & Jazz (Ages 3-7)

4:00 Acro (Ages 8 & Up)

5:00 Hip Hop (Ages 5-8)

6:00 Hip Hop (Ages 9-13)

7:00-8:30 Ballet/Lyrical/Jazz (Ages 8 & Up)

MUSICAL THEATRE

For The Past Three Years Our Musical Theatre Department Has Won “The Best Performing Arts Studio” Award For Broadway Bound. During Our Regular Season September Through June We Offer Two Classes On Fridays Consisting Of Singing, Acting And Dancing.

BROADWAY BOUND’S REGISTRATION FOR FALL CLASSES

Three Large Dance Rooms All Air-conditioned With Bathrooms, Cubbys And Floating Floors REGISTRATION DATES

Monday June 19th through Friday June 23rd 2:30 – 6:30 pm

August 24, 25, 26 and 31st 10am – 5pm

September 1, 2 and 7, 8, 9th 10am-5pm

ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY DURING THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST 3:30 - 8PM

BEGINNING JULY 11th THROUGH AUGUST 16th

WE OPEN FOR CLASSES MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

The Blue Stingrays

The Thunder Football Sampson 7s

The 2023 Major League GC Mets

The Minor League Cubs

The Sampson 7s had a terrific inaugural season and can’t wait to resume football activities later this summer!

Congratulations to the 2023 Garden City Mets on winning the Majors Division League Championship!

Coaches: Joe Pospisil, Steve Patrickakos, Chris Fuschillo and Matthew Garry.

Roster: Benjamin Fuschillo, Eli Patrickakos, Kevin Hegarty, Chris Pospisil, Chris Collins, Dennis Williams, Thomas Ryan, Matthew Lyons, Evan Persaud, Hugh Garry, Ryan Mancuso, Ryan Chalupa, William Prager & Connor Kennedy.

The Cubs were the winners of the third grade Minor League Championship game. Players Aiden Campon, Andrew Coviello, Colin Miller, Conor McCarthy, Connor Reilly, Eamonn Salinas, Ethan Yoo, George Wenk, Luke Pellicone, Matthew Clemente, Patrick Miller, Patrick Schriefer and Will Sievers would like to thank their coaches Angelo Pellicone, Tim Miller and Chris McCarthy for a great season!

The GC FIRE (GU10) had a “sweet” time at the Hershey Tournament and our returning players can’t wait to get back into action next season!

The Garden City Fire.

GC Rams 2032 co-champions of LI Lax Fest

The Atlantic League GC Mets

THE GARDEN CITY CENTENNIAL SOCCER CLUB THANKS ALL COACHES, PARENTS, AND PLAYERS FOR ANOTHER SPECTACULAR YEAR!

Since September:

• More Than 1,500 Children Participated In Our Programs

• 16 Weeks of Intramural Clinics and Games

• 55 Youth Travel Teams And 5 Adult Teams Competed

• More Than 600 Home Games Were Played (1,100 Overall on L.I)

• 20+ Player Clinics

• 62 Teams Participated In Out Of State Tournaments - Ct. And Pa. (175 Games)

• Many Division and Tournament/Cup Winners

• 5 Graduating Seniors Were Presented with College Scholarship Awards

ENJOY THE SUMMER!

Team Maroon coaches: Laurence Galli, Lou Galli, Timmy Goettlemann, Chris Corbett, Kevin Hegarty and Tim Miller. Team White coaches: Jon Dell’Olio, Sarah Wiechmann, Chris Kong.

The Mets baseball team in the Atlantic League of the GCAA had a great spring season led by head coach Matt Antico and assistant coaches Rob Ferrari and Dave Coratti. A fun time was had by all and the coaches did a fantastic job teaching these kindergarten boys how to play baseball and enjoy the game! Let’s go, Mets!

GCHS Varsity Gymnastics Team

Varsity Gymnastics this season finished 4th overall in their conference with 6 wins and 4 losses. Only one senior will be graduating: Athena Karavousanos.

There were many award winners for the conference, All County was junior Lalia Smith. All Conference was ninth grader Olivia Myers, eighth grader Ava Klein and 11th grader Sarah Tusiani-Eng.

2022-23 Varsity Girls Gymnastics.

Back row: Coach Jen Soper, Julia Ross Sarah Tusani- Eng, Laia Smith, Olivia Myers, Abigail Jesberger, Coach Katie Schweitzer.

Middle row: Athena Karavousanos, Lia Labate, Evelyn Lloyd Taylor Antico, Emerson Lewis, Ava Klein.

Bottom row: Julia Pino, Keegan Laufer, Mauireann O'Brien.

GC rowers make a splash at US Youth Rowing Nationals

Three Garden City High School rowers for Port Rowing crew club competed at the US Youth Rowing Nationals competition, which brings together the best rowers in the country to compete for national titles. The competition, held this June in Sarasota, Florida, serves as the premier youth rowing event in the United States and features over 2000 athletes from over 700 teams selected to participate following a series of state and regional qualifying regattas.

Freshman Katherine Pupke rowed stroke seat on the U16 coxed quad, which finished 5th in the B Level Final and 13th overall. Katherine said “It was such an incredible experience to be at Nationals. I am so proud of my team.” Juniors Alexandra and Olivia Burke both faced fierce competition in their varsity level races. Alex, who started rowing as a sophomore, rowed stroke seat for the Women’s

Varsity 4-, finishing 6th in the C Level Final and 22nd overall. Her sister, Olivia Burke, who just started rowing in fall, competed in Women’s 1st Varsity 8+, finishing 3rd in the D Level Final and 27th overall.

The Port Rowing Girls Varsity coach, Isa Rahman, describes Nationals as “really competitive. Crews come from all over the country. It’s the top boats. Even the boat that finishes in the bottom works hard to even be the last team at the event. You show up and everyone is the fastest from where they train.”

Port Rowing is one of the largest rowing teams in New York State and welcomes rowers of all levels who are passionate about the sport and community. The team rows out of Hempstead Harbor during the spring and summer, and is open to all middle and high school students. For more information, visit www.portrowing.com.

Friends of Port Rowing U16 coxed quad boat. Katherine Pupke on left (stroke seat).

Dream Big

The Baymack Team is a team of real estate licensees affi liated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Garden City Office. 516.408.2231

First Grade Boys team.

The Green Mints, a part of the Centennials 1st Grade Division.

- Heywood Brown

- Fred DeVita

2022–23 Garden City Ice Varsity Hockey

Garden City Wings Varsity ice hockey celebrated both its 50th anniversary this 2022-2023 season and its first playoff berth in over 10 years. Along the way the Wings shut out last year’s League Champions, Massapequa, took a playoff and states bound Long Beach to the wire only losing by one, and then beat Half Hollows Hills (another states and playoff bound team) on their home ice at their senior night by playing their best game all season. Also, this year, the inaugural Garden City Wings Varsity ice hockey team from 1973 honored their coach, Peter J. Gall, Sr., for his dedication and many years of service to the organization.

The Wings went 11 and 7, and

were led in offense by B. Seaman, A. Bedard and T.J. Salvato. The defensive corp include P. Blum, K. Curley, J. Philippides, and T. Walker, with excellent goaltending by P.J. Tursi and E. Rosati. The team is graduating 7 seniors but is well poised for next year led by rising seniors Alex Bedard, Michael Power, Bobby Seaman, and TJ Salvato.

The Wings expect to field 3 teams next year: a Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity. Interested players should email gardencitywings@ gmail.com. Follow the team on Instagram (GCWings) and look for the updated website later this summer.

Roster and Stats:

The boys discuss strategy.

The 2023 Wings. Back row (left to right): E. Rosati, J. Giumenta, K. Curley, P. Blum, S. Podstupka, M. Karcher, M. Power, TJ Salvato, PJ Tursi. Front row (left to right): L. Moon, B. Kule, M. Massina, J. Philippedes, T. Walker, T. Landolphi, B. Seaman. Missing: A. Suri, B. McQuade, Head Coach R. DeStasio, Assistant J. Ryan.

Photo by Ed Rotondo

“A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall. Never give up.”

Serena Williams

Sullivan

"May your dreams be your only boundaries."

2022–23 GCHS Wrestlers - Scholar Athletes

This year’s Garden High School Wrestling team finished the season with a respectable record of 10-7, placing second in the conference. In fact, seven (7) Trojans qualified for the County Tournament. They were affectionately deemed the “Magnificent Seven.” Captains Matt Preston (215# 1st), Jamie Mulvihill (189# 4th), and Aidan Walsh (172# 4th), seniors Tyler Ferris (172# 5th) and Matt Messi (138# 6th), sophomore Nick Griffin (126# 2nd), and freshman Anthony Pica (110# 4th) represented the GCHS Trojans at Hofstra University for the Section VIII Tournament.

In addition, four GCHS Trojans were recognized at the GCHS Sports Award Night. They include:

Gabe Cohen - Kevin Jarvis Award winner (Determination and Resilience);

Nick Griffin - All Conference - Captain 2023 - Stephen Kochle Jr. Award winner (Best Tournament Wrestler);

Jack Levi - Decker Award for Sportsmanship;

Matthew Preston - Captain - (2 Year)Most Outstanding Wrestler. Way to go!!! These gentlemen represented their character and those of their team.

This year, GCHS was proud to include 12 graduating seniors who lead the team. As they graduate from GCHS, they leave a legacy of camaraderie, excellence, and service. They are sure to return in December for the Alumni Night Gathering. We wish each senior, listed below, the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Matthew “Cam” Camillery, (215 lb. weight class, Senior Year Walk On) will be attending Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.

Tyler Ferris (172 lb. weight class) All

Conference, 6th season as GC Wrestling City Grapplers. Tyler holds the record for the fastest pin this season at 10 seconds. Tyler will be majoring in finance at The University of Tampa.

Christopher Granato – (145 lbs. varsity starter). Chris plans on attending Marist College in the fall.

Aidan Lawe- Five-year Garden City Trojan wrestler at 172 lbs. Aidan will be attending the University of Mississippi.

Jack “Mal” Levi, (285 lb. weight class - 6 year GC Trojan Wrestler) Jack received the following scholarships and awards: The Cristin Ann Bambino Memorial Scholarship Award, The Nassau Financial Federal Credit Union Scholarship, The New York State PTA Jenkins Scholarship for Teacher Education, Teachers Federal Credit Union Scholarship, and the GCHS Decker Award for Sportsmanship. Jack was recently sworn in as a volunteer firefighter in the GCFD, and will continue his wrestling career at SUNY Cortland, where he will pursue a degree in history and adolescent education.

Luke Menger- (126 lbs. weight class). Luke is a multi-sport Trojan who joined the wrestling team this year as a senior with no prior wrestling experience. Luke has a long history of athleticism as a soccer player for Garden City and Club teams. Luke plans to attend the University of Tennessee, where he was awarded the Tennessee Explorer Scholarship. This four-year award is for out-of-state students with an excellent academic record. He plans to major in study supply chains.

Matt Messi (138 lb. weight class. All Conference). Messi has wrestled for 5 years and has been a consecutive varsity starter since freshman year. Matthew plans to

major in art at Nassau Community College and become a tattoo artist.

Jamie Mulvihill- (189 lbs. weight class, team captain, All-Conference). Jamie is a multi-sport athlete and played defensive tackle for the GCHS Varsity football team. He plans on attending the University of South Carolina and to major in business.

Matthew “Presto” “Big Diesel” Preston – (215 lbs.) 2-year Team Captain, three time - All conference, 6 year GC Trojan wrestler. Matthew plans to attend the University of South Florida and to major in economics. He was awarded the GCHS Most Outstanding Wrestler. Matthew was also awarded the Garden City PTA Gale Madigan Upstander Award, The New York State Attorney General Triple “C” Award, and a BBBSLI Scholarship Award.

Juan Reinoso- (285 lb. weight class - 3 year Trojan wrestler) Juan plans on attending Saint John’s University.

Aidan Walsh- (172 lb. weight class-

Team Captain- All Conference) Walsh is a multi-sport athlete who played baseball for Garden City. He plans to attend the University of Delaware.

Batu Yildiz – (160 lbs. weight class) Batu will be attending Hofstra University.

Returning Wrestlers

The team is delighted that the following Trojans will return to the mats as GC Trojan wrestlers this fall:

Luca Avellino, Jack Cicione, Gabe Cohen - Kevin Jarvis Award winner, Alexander Giuffre, Bennett Griffin, Nick Griffin - All Conference - Captain 2023Stephen Kochle Jr Award winner (Best Tournament Wrestler), James Imperial, Joseph Lippens, Brett McQuade, Anthony Pica - All Conference, Jack Sceles, Robert Sceles, Gerard Schiraldi, Walker Scricca, Kyle Walsh, Connor Wellbrock, Ryan Winter - Captain 2023, Kevin Young, Joseph Zaino. Wishing you all the best of luck, next season! #GoTrojans!

Double

GCHS Trojan wrestlers gather for Team Breidgeen pre-race photo at “Runner In Red” 5K.

Senior Night (pictures with their signed singlets). Seniors not pictured: Aidan Lawe and Matt Messi.

The “Magnificent Seven” County qualifiers pose for photo with Coach “Hep” Hepworth.

Left to right: Nick Griffin (2023–2024 captain), Bennet Griffin, Capt. Aidan Walsh, Capt. Jamie Mulvihill, Sr. Matt Messi, Sr. Tyler Ferris, Capt. “Big Diesel” Matt Preston, Fr. Anthony Pica

GCHS award recipients: Captain Matthew Preston, Gabe Cohen, Capt. Nick Griffin, Jack Levi, with Coach Christopher Beihoff.

wins for GCHS 2023 captain Matt Preston after his bout with 2024 captain Ryan Winter.

Coaches Beihoff, Mack, Hepworth, Capt. Walsh and Jr. Hep Coach at Section VIII Conference.

Jack Levi claims the title belt with double OT hometown win!

The GCAA Athletics

MONDAY

BURGER & STEAK NIGHT

Order a burger or steak and get a complimentary glass of house wine, pint of light beer, or soda!

The Athletics Liittle League baseball team of the GCAA Pacific division had a great season led by coaches Tim Wagner, Mike Haskell, and Eric Blanco! These second graders showed great sportsmanship, superb team work, and excellent improvement through the spring. Everyone had fun and played hard. A great deal of appreciation goes to the coaches and dads for all the instruction, support, and encouragement. Awesome job, Athletics!

The Thunder 8s Team Reilly

Mid-Week $25 Wine Bottle Special

Sunday Brunch Featuring 2 Complimentary Brunch Beverages

The Thunder 8s Team Reilly. Coaches: Cliff Crain, Chris Fuschillo, Laurence Galli, Timmy Goettlemann, Kevin Hegarty and Mark Reilly.

Girls Lacrosse has unforgettable playoff journey

Playoffs, the pinnacle of excitement and anticipation, marked the culmination of the tireless dedication shown by the Garden City Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team. Throughout the winter and spring, the players dedicated a tremendous amount of time to ensure they were fully prepared for their playoff season.

After the victory over Mepham in the Class B semi-final, Garden City took on Long Beach for the Nassau County Class B Championship game. The rematch was highly anticipated, especially after last

year’s intense encounter where Garden City secured a last-second victory with less than 5 seconds left in regulation. Garden City had already played Long Beach during the regular season, resulting in a 13-7 win for Garden City, however this playoff for the Nassau County title was intense and nothing like their first match-up. The game was held at Adelphi University on Thursday, June 1, and the atmosphere was electric. Junior midfielder Kendal Morris, alongside teammates Marie Cacciabaudo and Tori Ottomanelli, dominated on the cir-

cle with an impressive display of skill and determination. As the game progressed, Garden City and Long Beach exchanged goals, creating an intense battle for victory. At halftime, Garden City held a narrow lead of 6-5, showcasing the strength and resilience of their defensive unit led by junior defender Mabel Overbeck and goalkeeper Niamh Pfaff. The defense for both teams played with intensity during the second half knowing that one small mistake could cost them their chance at the Long Island Championship. With less than two

minutes remaining in regulation, Marie Cacciabaudo’s pass found Kendal Morris, who scored the game-winning goal, securing a thrilling 9-8 victory. This remarkable triumph crowned Garden City as the Class B Nassau County Champions, inspiring pride and joy among the team and their dedicated fans.

Only three days later, on June 4, Garden City returned to Adelphi University to face off against West Islip in the Class B Long Island Championship. The team’s determination and relentless spirit were palpable

Long Island Champions.

Photo by Ed Rotondo Nassau County Champions.

Photo by Ed Rotondo

“Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose — it teaches you about life.” - Billie Jean King

Girls Lacrosse has unforgettable playoff journey

as they dominated the first half, building a commanding lead of 7-3. Junior attacker Kyle Finnell showcased her exceptional skills with six goals and one assist, supported by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Niamh Pfaff, who made 12 crucial saves. The entire team contributed to the scoreboard, with Grace Hopkins, Kendal Morris, Marie Cacciabaudo, Averie Smith, Tori Ottomanelli, and Regan Backer each adding a goal. With a resounding 15-6 victory, Garden City proudly claimed the title of Long Island Champions, earning their well-deserved spot in the New York State Class B semi-final championship game.

On Thursday, June 8, the team departed Garden City High School for STATES! The NY State Class B semi-final was held at SUNY-Cortland and the team was fully prepared to face their opponents from West Genesee for the state semi-final on Friday June 9. Hours of practice and meticulous film study allowed the Garden City team to enter the game with confidence. Kendal Morris led the team with three goals and one assist, supported by an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Niamh Pfaff, who made six crucial saves. The team emerged victorious with a final score of 12-6, securing their place in the championship game.

Facing off against Victor on the follow-

ing day, both teams displayed their exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Despite a valiant effort, Garden City fell short in the end, with a final score of 8-6 in Victor’s favor. Despite the loss, the Trojans have countless reasons to be proud. Throughout the season, they showcased exceptional perseverance, scoring a total of 252 goals while only allowing 162 goals in 17 games. Head coach Dave Ettinger and assistant coaches Gina Leake

and Janet Rogler guided the team to an impressive overall record of 17-4. As the season drew to a close, the Garden City community, families, friends, and supporters played an instrumental role in the team’s success. Special recognition goes to senior captains Marie Cacciabaudo, Katie Gaven, Grace Hopkins, and Ariana Bransfield, whose exemplary leadership added a special touch to this memorable season. With great excitement, the juniors,

underclassmen, and coaches eagerly anticipate the upcoming 2024 season.

The triumphant playoff journey of the Garden City Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team serves as an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. The team’s achievements will be celebrated for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the rich legacy of Garden City lacrosse.

Seniors with the LIC plaque.

Photo by Ed Rotondo

Thunder Football

Wenzel 7s end great season

As the sun rose over Stewart Field on Sunday morning, Team Wenzel prepared to close out the season against Levittown. The game, though, was less important than the moment. It marked the final day of a long season. A season that began twelve weeks prior in the high heat of August when a group of boys gathered to try their hand at a sport that would push them to their physical and mental limits. It required hard work, dedication, sacrifice,

late nights, and early mornings. Now, here the boys stood, on a cold October morning, no longer individuals, but a united team working in unison towards a common goal - to get better every day. The opponent, yards gained, touchdowns scored, and overall record were irrelevant. What mattered on this Halloween eve was that each member of the team was ready to fight for the teammate beside them until the sound of the final whistle. And fight they did.

Getting ready for the game.

The boys celebrate with “Wenzel Sauce.”

Thunder Wenzel 7s end great season.

The boys on the field.

The boys listen to their coach.

The Girls 3rd Grade Jaguars

The Garden City Thunder Hajart 7s

The girls third grade Jaguars completed its first full travel season by finishing in first place in the fall and then playing extremely well in a competitive U–9 division in the spring. The coaches would like to congratulate the girls on their efforts this season as they continued to grow as a team while having a lot of fun in the process!

Left to right: Sage Vendetti, Cate Walker, Abby Eng, Louise Prager, Ashley Swanson, Gemma Kelly, Grace Gough, Sienna Lattuca, Adrianna Savarese, Caroline Lentini, Enya Li, Jolie Schneider. Not pictured: (Coaches: Eric Swanson, BJ Prager, Trainer: Alex Varkatzas).

- Lou Holtz

The Garden City Thunder Hajart 7s, led by coaches Mitch Charchalis, Jon Finelli, Brad Hajart, Mike Haskell and Rob Weber, celebrate winning the last game of the season with some ice cream.

12U Gladiators win Fall Baseball Championship

The champions pose in front of the scoreboard.

Back

The Garden City Gladiators solid fall season earned them the 2-seed heading into the eight team playoff tournament. They were shorthanded, however, heading into the playoffs, with speedster Adrian Alvarado nursing a finger injury, but supplying various flavors of sunflower seeds and cheering his teammates along in the dugout throughout the team’s playoff run.

In their first game against the 7-seed Long Island Indians, the Gladiators faced a 7-0 deficit going into the bottom of the third inning. Staring down potential playoff elimination and an early end to their season, GC sent ten men to the plate in the third, ultimately scoring seven runs that inning and tying the game on Luke Vendetti’s 2-RBI single. After a back and forth next couple innings, GC took the lead for good 9-8 on a JoJo Albano triple which scored Ryan Nies in the bottom of the 5th. Pitcher Christian Arlia came in close it out earning the save and sending the Gladiators to the next round after a huge comeback win. This was a true team win, with contributions coming from everyone, including John David Scianablo’s clutch RBI single and Ben Fuschillo’s two stolen bases and two runs scored.

The second round of the playoffs pitted a confident Gladiators squad against New Hyde Park under the lights at Community Park on

Thursday 11/3. Matteo DiLoreto toed the slab for GC, scattering nine hits and striking out 5 without allowing a walk in a huge complete game performance. The Gladiator bats were quiet in this pitchers’ duel until Tucker Leake singled, stole second and third, then scored on a groundout in the 4th inning to give GC a 2-1 lead. Then in the 5th Evan Glace’s gutsy at bat resulted in a well-earned walk. He proceeded to steal second then score on a Leake groundout to push the lead to 3-1, which DiLoreto held in the 6th to preserve the win, sending GC to the championship.

A champion would be crowned at Glacken Park in Freeport the next night, 11/4 against the North Bellmore North Merrick Rebels in front of a packed house. The Gladiators were locked in from the beginning, with Chris Pospisil mowing down Rebels batters on his way to an 8 strikeout, no walk complete game performance. GC ’ s bats came alive in the 5th, with hits by Drew Hillman and Ryan Nies, but they couldn’t push a run across. The game was still scoreless heading into the top of the 6th, when NBNM advanced their leadoff batter to third base as the potential go-ahead run with no outs. Never wavering, Pospisil struck out the next two batters and got the third to ground out to Luke Vendetti at second to end the inning, preserving the scoreless tie and giving GC a chance to win

it in the bottom of the frame. JoJo Albano led off with a bomb to centerfield, which bounced off the top of the wall and back into play. After some confusion and speculation that the ball would be ruled a game-ending walk-off home run, it was ultimately deemed a single after a conference by the umpires. Undeterred, Albano advanced to second on a perfect bunt by Chris Pospisil, then to third on a hard single to right by Tucker Leake bringing Eli Patrickakos to the plate with a chance to drive in a run to win the championship. Ice water in his veins, Patrickakos took a strike to allow Leake to steal second, then

calmly laced the next pitch down the third base line to score Albano and give the Gladiators the championship with the 1-0 win. Players and coaches streamed out of the dugout, mobbing Patrickakos behind second base and showering him with water and Gatorade.

This championship was the culmination of a group of players coming together, playing for each other and dedicating the time and effort necessary to be ready to contribute to their team when they had the opportunity. Expect big things from this group as they continue their baseball journey.

row (left to right): Ben Fuschillo, JoJo Albano, Evan Glace, Adrian Alvarado, Christian Arlia, Tucker Leake.

Front row (left to right): Ryan Nies, Chris Pospisil, John David Scianablo, Matteo DiLoreto, Eli Patrickakos, Luke Vendetti, Drew Hillman.

Coach Joey goes over the gameplan prior to the championship game.

The team celebrates after being presented with their championship banner.

Pre-K Girls Soccer

Garden City HS Boys Varsity Tennis Team

The Garden City High School Boys Varsity Tennis team finished their season with 7 wins and 7 losses, placing them in 4th in the conference. There were seven seniors who are graduating this year and will be greatly missed. Patrick Bohn (captain), James

Melkonian, Charlie Graser, Dan Woo, Corwin Dunne (captain), James Jordan and Andrew deLarchiere. Many starters that will be returning including 1st singles Dylan Connerty (10 wins and 4 loss) and 2nd singles Ryan Lawson (6 wins and 7 loss).

Four team members played in the Nassau County tournament: DJ McDonough, James Jordan, Dylan Connerty (All County) and Ryan Lawson.

The GCHS Varsity Boys Tennis Team.

Seniors Charlie Graser, Patrick Bohn, James Melkonian, Dan Woo, Corwin Dunne, Andrew Delarchiere and James Jordan on Senior Day.

The boys at the annual doubles team tournament at the high school.

Lucianna-Marie

- Best Debut Jr.

Soloist

Tara Mullowney (Stewart Manor) - Best Diva Teen Soloist (13-14) Access Broadway Competition

Ingoglia (Stewart Manor) - Best Diva Teen Soloist (15-16)

Access Broadway

GCHS Men’s Varsity Fencing Team

2022-23 Men’s Varsity Fencing Team.

Second

Top

The Men ’ s Varsity Fencing Team approached the winter 2022–23 season as a rebuilding year. A number of senior starters had graduated, the team was predominately underclassman, and they were on their third coach in three years. In spite of these obstacles, at the end of the season the team qualified for the Nassau County team quarterfinals. Ultimately, they placed 3rd in Nassau County for the season. The team was led by the captains for épée, seniors Louis Rivera and Michael Siragusa, foil senior Eric Hartmann and sophomore Trey Plastaras, and saber senior Pat Bohn. In addition to the team third place finish, individual honors were attained by some of the young men.

Pat Bohn received an invitation to participate in the Nassau County Individual Championship finishing 10th. He was also awarded the 2022–23 Most Improved Fencer at the Garden City High School Boys Athletic Awards (BAA) ceremony.

Eric Hartmann was named to the All County Fencing Team Honorable Mention based on his season ’ s win percentage. He also was invited to

participate in the Nassau Individual Championships where he placed 11th. At the high school BAA awards ceremony he was presented with the 2022–23 Coach ’ s Award.

Trey Plastaras had an incredible, undefeated high school season, 29-0 and was named to the All Long Island Team and received All County First Team honors. He too fenced in the Individual Championships where he finished 4th. When the high school season concluded, Trey traveled to Denver Colorado to fence in the Junior Olympics.

Louis Rivera received All County Second Team honors at the conclusion of the season and an invite to the Individual Championships where he finished 11th. Louis was the recipient of the 2022–23 Outstanding Fencer Award at the BAA ceremony. He also participated in the Junior Olympics in Colorado.

Matteo Schettino was selected to fence in the Nassau Individual competition and finished 6th.

Congratulations to the team on a successful season and good luck and continued success in the future.

2022-23 Varsity Men’s Fencing captains: Trey Plastaras, Louis Rivera, Pat Bohn, Michael Siragusa, Eric Hartmann.

2023 All County: Marga Santos, saber, Honorable Mention; Eric Hartmann, foil, Honorable Mention; Trey Plastaras, foil, All Long Island and First Team; Louis Rivera, épée, Second Team.

Bottom row: Coach Joe Brajdic, Trey Plastaras, Stephen Cowie, Connor Davian

row: Keathen Ho, Henry Conlon, Ronan Comerford, Louis Rivera, Michael Kelly, Will Stone.

row: Matteo Schettino, Marc Tosi, Michael Siragusa, Pat Bohn, Eric Hartmann.

Team 8 is great!

Congrats to the 2nd/3rd Grade Centennials Boys Team 8 on a fantastic spring season. The boys made great strides, improving every game as individual players and as a team. They also always displayed great sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and an unending amount of energy and fun. Coach Erin and your parents are all so proud of you!

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Two and three-year-olds learn soccer with the Centennials.

The Port Rowing men’s and women’s high school teams traveled to Saratoga Springs in May to wrap up their regular season at the New York State High School Rowing Championships.

Leading the way for Port was the Men’s Freshman 8+, who took home golf and another New York State Championship for the Club. Other notable finishes included a strong 2nd place finish from the omen’s 4-, two bronze medal finishes by the Women’s 1st and 2nd Varsity 8+ boats and 4th place finishes by the Men’s 1st Varsity 8+, men’s 2nd Varsity 8+ and Women’s U16 4+x. Both scholastic and club teams compete at the New York State Championships which featured 63 teams and more than 600 entries across all events.

The Women’s 1st Varsity 8+, Varsity 4-, and U16x+ also represented Port Rowing at the US Rowing Youth National Championships on June 8–11 in Sarasota, Florida. This year’s regatta was the largest ever Youth National Championship featuring more than 4,000 athletes. The Women’s U16+x capped off a strong season with a 5th place finish in the B Level Final (13th overall). The Women’s 4- and 8+ faced fierce competition and raced well, finishing 22nd and 27th respectively. This was the team’s 9th consecutive appearance at the National Championship. The Port Rowing club team represents high schools throughout Long Island’s North Shore and beyond. Rowers come from Garden City, Great Neck, Port Washington, Roslyn, North Shore, Friends Academy, Jericho, and Herricks.

To learn more about Port Rowing’s programs for high school and middle school students, visit www.portrowing.org.

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Garden City High School Sports Highlights

Fall

• Varsity Field Hockey wins the Nassau County Championship, Long Island Championship and advances to their second consecutive NYS Class B Championship.

• Varsity Football wins a Nassau County record seventh consecutive Nassau County Conference 2 Championship defeating Mepham High School and goes on to repeat as the Long Island Champions defeating Bellport HS.

• Boys Cross Country wins the Divisional Title and advances 6 runners to the NYS Championships.

• Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer advance to the Nassau County Championship Finals.

• Stevie Finnell is name the New York State Co-Player of the Year in football by the New York State Sports Writers Association.

• Stevie Finnell named Thorpe Award winner as Nassau County top player.

• Sawyer Olsen named Martone Award winner as Nassau County top lineman.

• Nina Wiese finishes third Nassau County in girls tennis first singles and advances to the NYS Championships.

• Rory Heslin named Newsday Field Hockey Player of the Year.

• Maddie Connor qualifies for the state championship in four events- Earn Co-MVP Championship honors.

• 1st place in the 100 Freestyle –New School Record: 51.83.

• 1st Place in the 200 Freestyle: 1:51.38

Winter

• Alex Colletti breaks school indoor track record in the 300M – 35.91.

• Alex Colletti wins the Nassau County Indoor Track 600M Championship in 1:24.58.

• Girls’ Indoor Track wins the 4x400 Nassau County Championship and advanced to the NYS Championships.

• Boys’ Indoor Track wins the 4x200 Nassau County Championship and advanced to the NYS Championships.

Spring

• Girls’ Lacrosse wins the Nassau County Championship, Long Island Championship and was a NYS Finalist.

• Boys Lacrosse won the Nassau County Championship, Long Island Championship and a second consecutive NYS Class B Championship.

• Rory Heslin wins the Spring Track and Field Nassau County Championship in the 600M, and goes on to finish 5th at the NYS Championships.

• Alex Colletti wins the Nassau County Championship in the 400M and breaks the school record with a time of 49.7.

• Owen Holtzman finishes sixth in NYS Championship for shot put.

• 4x400 Relay Team finishes sixth at the NYS Championships.

• Stevie Finnell named the recipient of the Tom Flatley Award as the top male athlete in Nassau to excel in football and lacrosse.

The GC Rams 2023 Team White

The GC Rams 2032 White Team. Coaches: Jon Dell’Olio, Sarah Wiechmann, Chris Kong.

GCHS Girls Winter Track Team

The Garden City High School Girls Winter Track Team had a fabulous season this winter! Coached by Thomas Skrivanek and Gianna Filippi, the girls ran at evening track meets this winter at St. Anthony’s High School located in Huntington, NY.

The 4 x 400 meter relay team won the Nassau County Championship on February 7. The 4×400 relay team consisted of Alexa Andron, Sophia Erigo, Rory Heslin, and Kyra Lekanides. Alexa and Sophia begin the excitement facing the powerhouse Uniondale team. Krya closed the gap in the third leg, and passed the baton to the anchor Rory. With their time of 4:18.02, they finished in first place, and qualified for the NYS finals and for the Nike Indoor Nationals.

Rory Heslin also won the County Championship in the 600 meter event. She ran 1:38.93 to earn her spot as champion.

The 4×800 meter relay team placed third in the Nassau County championship as well. The team consisted of Sydney Chean, Jennifer Roller, Catalina Suau, and Abigail Tedesco

in New York State at the NYS Indoor Track and Field Championships which were held at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island on March 4. They had a season best time of 4:10.43. Rory Heslin had a personal best split time of 58.6.

Rory later returned to Ocean Breeze to run the 600 meter leg of the intersectional team, with a time of 1:38.33 which was the fastest time of all the sections.

The Nike Indoor Nationals were held on March 10–12 at The Armory in New York City. This event brings the best of the best athletes from all over the country as well as Canada.

The relay team competed in the Emerging Elite division for the 4×400 meter event and finished 13th overall with a PR of 4:09.81, running against more than 40 teams nationally. Rory Heslin also competed in the Championship Division 400 meter event, finishing 24th among a field of 48 national runners, with a time of 58.99.

The captains for team are Alexa Andron, Sydney Chean, Rory Heslin, Sarah Kade, and Niamh Pfaff.

All County Winners (in alphabeti -

for the 4x400m relay; Sydney Chean, Jennifer Roller, Catalina Suau, and Abigail Tedesco for the 4x800m relay.

All Conference Winners (in alphabetical order) are Alexa Andron for 600m and 4×400, Sophia Erigo for 4×400, Rory Heslin for 600m and 4x400m, Emma Isobe-Russel for 55m, Sarah Kade for 4x200m, Krya Lekanides for 300m and 4x400m, Morgan Noody for Long Jump, Mabel

for 1500m Race Walk, Jennifer Roller for 1000m, Emily Romeo for 4x200m, Elizabeth Rosado for Long Jump, Saige Scala for Pole Vault, Stephanie Smith for 4x200m, and Abigail Tedesco for 1500m.

Congratulations go out to the team by earning the NYSPHSAA ScholarAthlete team recognition for maintaining a 90 average or better.

Congratulations to all of the girls

The Garden City High School Girls Winter Track team.

GCHS Girls Varsity Softball Team

There were both a lot of questions & high expectations for this year ’ s Garden City Girls Varsity Softball Team. The early season saw a number of players missing due to injury and illness coupled with some new faces at key positions. This special group faced these challenges, answered all the questions and set a new bar for how the future seasons will be measured.

This year’s GC version of the core four were seniors Mackenzie Wehrum (CF), Amelia DiChiara (SS), Ryan Sievers (RF/P) & Rebecca Barry (LF). All four provided leadership both on and off the field all season. Amelia DiChiara led the team in hitting, batting .407 with 22 hits while excelling defensively at shortstop.

Juniors Danielle Parrella (3B), Olivia Donahue (2B), Isabella Scianablo (1B), Liz Marshall (P) & Stephanie Morgan (2B/RF) will be looking to raise the bar that this year’s seniors have set. Isabella Scianablo punished opposing pitchers and led the team with 28 RBI’s while playing a stellar 1st base.

Sophomores Zella Coons (OF)& Ellie Stier (C/Util) provided some much needed depth in many positions while delivering key hits as a pinch hitter and designated batter in a number of games.

Freshmen Kaitlyn Santopietro (P) and Emily Ingersoll (C) contributions in the field and at the plate were tremendous all season. Showing maturity beyond her years, Kaitlyn Santopietro became a force on the mound, winning 10 games while amassing 168 strikeouts..

The team finished with 14 wins, 5 losses and narrowly missed qualifying for the Nassau Class A Playoffs. In what will forever be remembered as an epic final game at home, the girls secured a walk off 1-0 win in 12 innings versus a tough Carle Place

team , avenging a loss from earlier in the season.

Game highlights included the stellar outfield play of Ryan Sievers with a number of game saving plays in right field in the later stages of the game. Kaitlyn Santopietro gave us a glimpse of future dominating performances surrendering 1 hit with 20 strikeouts in this 11 inning marathon. With the game on the line Amelia DiChiara

delivered a key bunt for a base hit loading the bases for Mackenzie Wehrum who promptly hit an infield single to score Rebecca Barry from third base.

The team would like to thank Coach Reichman & Coach Sinacori for their tireless efforts and pushing all the right buttons to get the most out of the team this season. Thank you also to the outgoing seniors and their families for their trailblazing dedication to the

GCAA Softball program, which produced most of this year’s varsity team.

The 2023 GCAA Girls Softball program includes over 300 families from grades kindergarten through eighth grade. The team’s future is bright and the girls are looking forward to 2024 and the next generation of players’ successes on the GC Softball diamonds at every level.

Garden City celebrating 1-0 walk off win (#13 Mackenzie Wehrum drove in #17 Rebecca Barry embracing in center).

2023 GC seniors (left to right): Ryan Sievers, Mackenzie Wehrum, Amelia DiChiara, Rebecca Barry.

GC Varsity Softball fundraiser game team photo (raised over $700 for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, fighting cystic fibrosis).

Nassau County Select Lacrosse players

Four Garden City rising freshmen from the Class of 2027 recently were part of the Nassau County Select Lacrosse team. They played on June 22 at Hofstra University and defeated the Suffolk County Select team 12-8.

Left to right: Gus Galli, Andrew Dengler, Brayden Robertiello and Jack LeSeuer. The team took 25 players out of 200 who tried out. Brayden Robertiello was named co-MVP of the game.

The Thunder 8s Team Diez

Coaches: Christian Diez, Tom Melendez, Chris Manna, Chris Dean, Chris Schoppner, Tim Miller.

The Thunder 8s Team Diez.

The GCHS Girls Varsity Spring Track Team

4x800m team consisting of Sydney Chean, Alexa Andron, Kate Pogozelski, and Taylor McQuire finished with a time of 10:42.58. The 4x400 Meter team ran a terrific time of 4:07.66. The team included Sarah Kade, Sophia Erigo, Kyra Lekanides, and Rory Heslin. Sarah Pogozelski, Liz Rosado, Stephanie Smith, and Emma Isobe-Russel sprinted a time of 52.81 in the 4x100m relay. Individually, Elizabeth Rosado had a great performance in the long jump as well as Rory Heslin in the 800m.

The season ended at the New Balance National Outdoor Meet at the University of Pennsylvania. This national invitational meet brings the best of the best from all across the country to complete in the four day event. Taylor Maguire started off the day in the Middle School 800m event, followed by Rory Heslin in the open 800m event. The 4x400m relay team was run by Kayla Pasqualina, Riley McNaboe, Krya Lekanides and Rory Heslin, and finished off with a personal record time of 4:03.44. All the athletes did a fantastic job at the national event!

The Garden City Girls Varsity Track team ran a terrific season this spring! Coaches Seth Messier, Tom Skrivanek, and Gianna Filippi lead the team to a great season with impressive performances.

As a whole, the varsity girls track team finished first in the division, second in the conference, and fifth in the county. The team’s record was 13-1 for all league meets.

This year was the first time since 2014 that the girls won the division meet. Saige Scala and Elizabeth Rosado earned All-Division honors.

At the Nassau County Championship the following athletes earned the All-County honor:

Sydney Chean, Rory Heslin, Sarah Kade, Kyra Lekanides, Taylor Maguire, Riley

McNaboe, Kayla Pasqualina, Jennifer Roller and Abigail Tedesco.

Three relay teams went on to compete in the State Qualifying meet at North Shore High School. The 4x800m, 4x400m, and the 4x100m relay teams as well as athletes in individual events including the 800m and long jump represented Garden City well. The

Coach Messier reflected “It was the best season we’ve had in a long time. Seniors have set a standard and created a foundation of excellence and work ethic.”

The team is looking forward to the bright future ahead for all of the returning athletes. Best of luck to all of the coaches and returning athletes next year!

Congratulations to all of the seniors!

The GCHS Girls Varsity Spring Track Team.

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