2024 Sports Wrap-Up by Litmor Publishing

Sports Wrap-Up 2024

Friday, June 28, 2024

COVER PHOTOS BY ED ROTONDO

Thunder Hajart finishes great season

Thunder - Hajart’s bottom line- Johnny Coelen, Hudson Melnick, James Schrubbe, Jack Joelson, Wyatt Acquavito, Johnny Watts, Luke Mooney, Ben Finelli, Joey Sileo, Hudson Overby, and Brendan Reynolds

Middle row- Michael Noto, Niko Lazos, Reid Brunner, Aiden Charchallis, Sammy Nakos, Carter D’Alessio, Jackson Weber, Brogan Hajart, Maddox Minarcik, Teddy Delaney, and Luke Haskell

Back row- coaches - Head coach Brad Hajart, Mitch Charchallis, Mike Haskell, Rob Weber, Phil Minarcik, and Jon Finelli

The Thunder Hajart team takes the field.

Playing their best game.

4th Grade GCAA Basketball

4th Grade GCAA Team Hughes/ Tricarico

The GCAA Third Grade runner up Rangers: Kneeling - Aiden Charchallis, Coulter Manno, Joey Sileo, Teddy Delaney, and Kellan Mastaglio.

Standing - Brogan Hajart, Ethan Simone, Jackson Weber, Tristan Leder and Maddox Minarcik

Coaches, Phil Minarcik and Rob Weber

(Not pictured: Michael Noto and Xander Eppler)

GCHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: Nassau County Champions

Garden City Girls Varsity Lacrosse team secured the win Wednesday, May 29, at Adelphi University for the Nassau County Championship against Long Beach with a score of 9-2. The evening win was the fourth straight County Championship for the storied program. Sophomore Averie Smith had a hattrick and junior Kyle Finnell had two goals. Senior captain Mabel Overbeck

went coast to coast for her goal while senior Maureen Arendt and junior Tori Ottomanelli had crease dives to secure their goals. Sophomore Elizabeth Gaffney added a goal to the nine goal tally for the Lady Trojans. Senior captain Kendal Morris had an assist. Senior captain Niamh Pfaff had 4 saves during the contest.

Senior Captain goaltender Niamh Pfaff on the move. Photo by Ed Rotondo

Molly Nicholas on attack. Photo by Ed Rotondo

The Garden City Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team.

Coach Dave Ettinger and Senior Emily Romeo, Niamh Pfaff, Mabel Overbeck and Kendal Morris.

Senior Tara Hollis on defense. Photo by Ed Rotondo

Coach Dave Ettinger and Nassau County Award winners 2024

2024 Nassau Campions - Garden City Girls Lacrosse.

Photo by Ed Rotondo

Senior Captain Kendal Morris for the draw. Photo by Ed Rotondo

Senior Captain Mable Overbeck on the clear.

Photo by Ed Rotondo

Senior Maureen Arendt on the attack. Photo by Ed Rotondo Alex Walsh on defense. Photo by Ed Rotondo

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 & 2024

2035 Boys Centennials Soccer comes to a close

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 9, 16, 23, 30 AND AUGUST 6 AND 13

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

ON TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS DURING THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST 3:30 - 8PM BEGINNING JULY 9th THROUGH AUGUST 13th

August 29, 30, 31 10am - 5pm September 5, 6, 7 10am - 5pm

WE OPEN FOR CLASSES MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

What a great season for the first grade boys! This was the last time the boys played on the smaller fields, and their improvement week over week was evident. They will kick off Fall 2024 playing on the larger fields, and they are definitely ready! Special thanks to all the coaches and assistants for

teaching and leading the kids, and to all the parents for the support along the way! Coaches this past Spring included Pete Boyle, Dave Coratti, Doug Donnelly, Sushant Iyer, Joshua Lefler, Chris Manna, Ed Miller, Brian Nick, Jeff Rundlet, Bryan Schrubbe, Neil Williamson, and Marco Zelaya.

Team Zelaya

Players from Orange Crush vs Maroon Dragons

Team Iyer/Coratti

U19 Garden City Bobcats win LI Cup

In a hard-fought game, the U19 Bobcats won the Long Island Cup in their last GC Centennials game. After an expert cross by Holden Herrera, Kyle Watson had a perfect shot to sink the ball into the net, giving the Bobcats a 1-0 lead which they defended for the victory! The team (mostly be heading to college in the fall) has been playing together since their Stratford/Stewart/ St. Anne’s days.

The Bobcats have previously won their division and have made it to the LI Cup finals but this, their final game, was the first Long Island Cup victory for the team. A great way to finish their GC Centennials careers!

The team is comprised predominantly of graduating seniors (Garden City High School, Chaminade and Regis); Ryan Arlotta, Brendan Bohn, Danny Brennan, Jack Brock, Jack Caldera, Emmet Duffy, Joe Fontanetta, Andrew Fuoco, Holden Herrera, Phineas Olcott, Jack McCarthy, Max McCarthy, Martin Morgan, Vikram Sohal, Michael Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan, John Uhoda, James Ullrich, Peter Vorillas, Kyle Watson and Artemios Carris (a junior). A special shout out to the coaches who dedicated their time and effort to this team, Matt Uhoda and Mark Morgan (and historically Doug Bohn, Donna Fontanetta and John McCarthy.)

The U19 Bobcats

The 8th Grade Girls Middle School Lacrosse Team.

The 2030 GC Rams Travel Lacrosse Team

Dream Big

The Baymack Team

4th Grade PAL Lacrosse

U13 Garden City Avalanche

The team included Jack Baker, Luis Garcia, AJ George, Michael Griffith, Walker Hayes, Zach LaRosa, Owen Novack, Antonio Ordas, Anthony Russo, Tommy Ryan, James Santucci, Nicholas Scacchi, Jacob Sierra, Cormac Smith, Dermot Smith, Billy Supper, Tommy Villanova and Sammy Wolk, and was coached by Pat Smith, Tom Ryan, Scott Baker and Bill Supper, with training by Eoin Reid.

4th Grade PAL Lacrosse: Coaches Galli, Wenk & Galli

The U13 Garden City Avalanche completed a great year of soccer, full of lots of fun, great playing, and tremendous teamwork and sportsmanship from the boys.

The Dodgers Baseball team in the Texas League of the GCAA

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Connect today.

- Fred DeVita

Boys Varsity Fencing Team 2023-24 Season

The Boys Varsity Fencing team completed a challenging season, but were fortunate for the return of their Coach for a second year and in addition took on some new Fencers to the team.

The squads were led by Èpèe Captain: Senior Connor Davan, Foil Captain: Junior Trey Plastaras and Co-Saber Captains: Senior Stephen Cowie and Junior Matteo Schettino. Despite the foes they faced on the strip, individual achievements and honors were recognized by some of the team members.

Sophomore and Foil Henry Conlon finished 20th out of 53 Foilists at the Annual Brentwood Holiday Tournament, showing great progress his second year on the team. He also earned the honor of Most Improved Fencer at the 2024 Garden City High School Boys Athletic Awards (B.A.A.) on June 10th. Connor Davan bid farewell to his High School Fencing career with the B.A.A. 2024 Coach’s Award.

Trey Plastaras fenced every bout of the season, ending with a 27-3 record earning him All-County First Team Honors. He placed 2nd at Individual County Championships and was honored with the 2024 B.A.A Award for Most Outstanding Fencer.

In addition, Colin Chen joined as an 8th grader, traveling to the High School nightly and brought perseverance to every saber bout, rallying for the team. Sophomore Ronan Comerford, Freshman Justin Rivera and Connor Davan finished the season in the top half of all èpèes in the County.

Stephen Cowie completed his Senior year finishing 11th out of 55 sabers at the Brentwood Invitational and finally, incredibly, Ronan Comerford was responsible for clinching the winning bout at every “win” meet this season.

The boys look forward to the growth of the team and taking on new challenges in the 2024-25 season.

Coach Joe Brajdic and Coach Brooke Appelman with the Individual County Competitors, including Eva Mangal, and the teammates who spent the day cheering them on.

Trey Plastaras, Boys Individual County Championship 2nd Place Foil/All-County First Team Honors and Marga Santos Girls Individual County Championship 4th Place Saber/ All County Second Team Honors

Top Row: Connor Davan, Keathon Ho, Stephen Cowie, Justin Rivera, Matteo Schettino, Marc Tosi, Ronan Comerford, Wallace Lieu Second Row: Trey Plastaras, Colin Chan, Will Stone, Henry Conlon

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.

Tyler Duffey, 33, Kansas City Royals pitcher, diagnosed with melanoma in 2024

Justin Thomas, 31, PGA golfer, diagnosed with melanoma in 2019

Josh Paschal, 24, Detroit Lions defensive end, diagnosed with melanoma in 2018

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!

An electric afternoon at Garden City High School

Hoops for Hope was a huge success! Students and teachers from all of the schools and Garden City residents came to support the Challengers and the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation which helps adolescent and young adult patients who are fighting cancer and other serious, chronic and long-term illnesses. Teamwork and kindness made the afternoon happen. Photographer Ed Rotondo donates his time every year to take so many great pictures. Event Coordinator Michael O ’ Hanlon asked that everyone keep this going next year!

Varsity Basketball player Braden Soutar and Challenger buddy cheer for a Challenger.

Tipoff!

The 2024 Challenger team with coaches, buddies and Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball players.

The cheerleaders led the fans in cheers the entire game and put on an amazing halftime performance.

Varsity Basketball captain Matt Liberopoulous cheers on player Logan Parker.

Ryan Schwantner and Matt McCoy take the ball down the court.

Photos by Ed Rotondo

An electric afternoon at Garden City High School

Timmy, Michael and Katherine O'Hanlon with Liz Menges of I'm Not Done Yet Foundation.

The JV Kickline wowed the crowd!

Event organizer Michael O'Hanlon welcomes everyone.

Teachers like Mrs. Rigley-Romero come to support the event.

GC Varsity Kickline.

Senior Anna Cooke sings the national anthem.

GCMS Challenger coaches Goodwin and Pappas.

The GCMS Hoops for Hope crew are always a huge help.

From start to finish, St. Anne’s CYO Spring Track has the best time

The 2024 CYO Spring Track season was a great success for the St. Anne’s team. Runners from kindergarten through ninth grade competed in invitationals, parish meets and the CYO Regional and Championship meets throughout the spring. St. Anne’s runners took home many medals, but more importantly were great teammates and friends, who worked hard and ran strong in every race. Whether it be tackling the middle distances, bursts of speed in the sprints, or practicing the art of the perfect baton handoff, St. Anne’s runners always strived hard to do their best. St. Anne’s dedicated group of coaches are proud of all the

strides the runners made throughout the season.

St. Anne’s Track and Cross Country program prides itself on teaching sportsmanship, having fun, and instilling a lifelong love of running. Registration is now open for the weekly summer camp program. “Summer Camp” is a great way for children to stay active over the summer while having fun with friends and teammates. Registration for the fall cross-country season will open on or about August 1. More information and registration can be found at https://www.stannesgccyo.org/ cross-country/.

The always strong sixth grade boys had an impressive showing at championships.

The fourth grade boys ran strong while always having fun,

The kindergarten girls at their last meet of the season. Every girl took home a medal!

The second grade girls always come out in force to run their best.

The third grade boys worked hard all season on endurance, speed and relay handoffs, and it paid off, with all their runners qualifying to run the Championship meet.

8th Grade Boys

School Lacrosse Team

The fourth grade girls are ready for a great meet.

Coach Chris and Coach Laura celebrate the CYO Sportsmanship Award with the first grade girls.

Strong relay teams are one of the cornerstones of the CYO track program, teaching the importance of teamwork.

The 8th Grade Boys Middle School Lacrosse Team.

The U12 Centennials Sharks

The U12 Centennials Sharks placed second in the LIJSL Long Island Cup.

The Jaguars shine in spring season

The U-10 Jaguars soccer team had an exceptional spring season against some tough competition, with highlights making it to the semifinals of the Long Island Cup and winning the Hershey Memorial Day Tournament! The Jaguars have shown that success isn’t just measured in victories, but also in the friendships formed and the fun had along the way. Here’s to many more seasons of great soccer and unforgettable experiences!

Left to right: Abby Eng, Ashley Swanson, Jolie Schneider, Louise Prager, Gemma Kelly, Delaney Gorman, Sienna Lattuca, Caroline Lentini, Cate Walker, Sage Vendetti, Garrett Hannan.

In front: Grace GoughNot pictured: Adrianna Savarese

Thunder 9 Football

Thunder 9s Coaches Reilly, Galli, Fuschillo, Corbett & Crain

Boys Varsity Tennis Team completes solid season

BY JENNIFER SOPER

The boys' varsity tennis team concluded their season with a solid 8-6 score, earning them the 4th spot in conference 2A. With a lineup boasting 13 seniors and 4 underclassmen, the departure of these senior players leaves big shoes to fill. Over the past 4 years, Dylan Coonerty and Ryan Lawson have dominated the #1 and #2 singles positions, showcasing exceptional talent. The team's strength lay in its experienced seniors, resulting in a season filled with thrilling matches and impressive performances. At the Nassau County tournament, seniors Brendan Bohn and Diego Cadavid partnered as doubles players but faced a tough Friends Academy duo in the initial round.

In the singles category, Ryan Lawson

advanced to round 2 before challenging the #2 seed in the county, delivering an exciting match and earning All -Conference. Dylan Coonerty, the team's long-standing #1 singles player, secured an All-County recognition and reached round 3 as the #6 seed, ultimately falling to the #3 seed in a hard-fought battle. Evan Rom and Emmet Duffy both earned All - Division as a dynamic doubles team this season. These dedicated players exemplified hard work both on and off the court. As we bid farewell to our seniors, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming spring season of 2025.

I am thrilled to have coached such skilled, all around and enjoyable young men this year. These student athletes showed dedication both on the court and in their studies, am I am exceptionally proud of each one of them.

Left to right Mike Sullivan, Jack Brock, Wilson Nappi, Andrew Fuoco, Brendan Bohn, Ryan Lawson, Dylan Connerty, Emmet Duffy, Kieran Cheng, Diego Cadavid, Mike Power, David Digan. (Missing James Nagler)

The Varsity Boys Tennis Team: Top row L to R: Emmet Duffy, Jack Brock, Evan Rom, Dylan Connerty, Wilson Nappi.

Standing row: L to R: Ryan Lawson, Mike Sullivan, Matteo Schettino, Andrew Fuoco, JP Maher, Brendan Bohn.

Sitting row: James Nagler, Kieran Cheng, David Digan, Kai Chen, Diego Cadavid, Mike Power.

JP Maher

Dylan Coonerty

Emmet Duffy

Mike Power

MIke Sullivan Evan Rom

Brendan Bohn Kai Chen

2023-24 GC Varsity Ice Hockey continues winning ways

Garden City Wings Varsity ice hockey continued its winning ways this past season by winning the High School Hockey League’s Conference II championship and earning a spot in the post season. The team began the season with 9 straight wins, going undefeated in 10 games, ultimately ending the season with 13 wins, 1 loss, 1 tie and an OT loss, and notably, winning the conference over its rival Manhasset. While the Wings lost their playoff game, the total effort by the boys resulted in this season being a resounding success.

The team was led by a core of 3-year varsity seniors: Alex Bedard (C), Bobby Seaman (C), TJ Salvato (C), Michael Power and PJ Tursi. The contributions of the underclassmen were invaluable this season: Liam Moon, Michael Karcher, Brett McQuade (A), Carter Pickens and Will Raia. Adding to the efforts were freshman Thomas Bacich, TJ Moody, and Jack Vessio. Rounding out the squad were 3 pool players: Jeremi Dziedzic, David Backus and Luke Padula. The seniors built on their success of the last two years never quitting, and securing the conference championship – the first one in over 15 years.

This season each player made his presence known on the ice and on the bench contributing and supporting the team in every game and on every shift. Some players were singled out for extraordinary achievement. First, the League named Bobby Seaman and PJ Tursi as Conference I Player of the Year and Conference I Goalie of the Year, respectively. Bobby led the entire Varsity league (Conferences I and II) in Goals and Total points. PJ’s recognition also included being (again) selected by opposing Coaches as one of the League All Stars and being the only Goalie in the League to suit up as a player, score a goal and be awarded an assist. In addition to the League awards, there were team awards that recognized outstanding efforts and achievements by players. This year Alex Bedard and

PJ Tursi were awarded the Peter C Gall MVP award, as Co-MVP’s. Alex led the entire Varsity League (Conferences I and II) in Assists, and PPG (3.42) and was second in Total Points. Bobby Seaman, in addition to his League award, was named Wings Offensive Player of the Year, recognizing his league leading Goals and Total Points as well as being third in in the Varsity league in Assists and PPG (3.12).

TJ Salvato was awarded the Coach’s Award for his efforts throughout the season. TJ was a true two-way player contributing whenever needed on either side of the ice, with 16 Total Points. Jack Vessio was named Rookie of the Year for his strong play. The team recognized Thomas Bacich’s production as a freshman and being 4th (tied with TJ Salvato) for total points this season, and senior Michael Power’s play this season. Michael’s season was shortened by a mid-season injury but returned to the bench in time for the post season. In addition, in February, the Wings had three players that played in the League All Star Game: Alex Bedard, Bobby

Bobby Seaman League Award: Bobby awarded Conference Player of the Year, with Eric Kairns (NYI, ret.)

Roster and Stats:

Seaman, and PJ Tursi.

The Wings wish its seniors the best of luck in the future endeavors: Alex Bedard, Michael Power, TJ Salvato, Bobby Seaman, PJ Tursi, David Backus, and Jeremi Dziedzic.

The Wings are looking to field 3 teams next year: a Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity. Interested players should email gardencitywings@gmail. com and follow the team on Instagram (GCWings).

(Back, l-r): T.Moody, T.Salvato,A.Bedard,M.Power, J.Dziedzic, D.Backus, B.McQuade, B.Seaman, L.Padula

(Front, l-r): P.Tursi, W.Raia, T.Bacich, J.Vessio, L.Moon, C.Pickens

Team Awards: (l-r): HC R.Destasio, B.Seaman, J.Vessio, P.Tursi, Peter Gall, A.Bedard, T.Salvato

Wings All Stars: (l-r): A.Bedard, P.Tursi, B.Seaman

Garden City Youth Lacrosse 2nd Grade Hard Hat League

The Garden City 2nd Grade Hard Hat Lacrosse League concluded its season with thrilling final games at Stewart Field, celebrating a year marked by hard work, growth, and sportsmanship. Inspired by George Boiardi's legacy and the values outlined in The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate, the league has been a platform for young athletes to not only develop their lacrosse skills but also to embody the spirit of teamwork and dedication.

Weekly Hard Hat Awards highlighted players who exemplified commitment and teamwork, reflecting the ethos George Boiardi represented both on and

off the field. The season's closing ceremony brought together players, coaches, and families to honor these young athletes' achievements and the positive impact of the Hard Hat's teachings.

As the 2034 group looks forward to next season, the enduring influence of George Boiardi’s story continues to inspire and shape these young players into not just athletes, but great teammates. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the coaches and volunteers who contributed to making this season a memorable and transformative experience for everyone involved.

The Cannons, coached by Greg Calderone, Mike Walker, and Chris Masterson.

The Archers, coached by Chris Eschmann, Michael Eschmann, and Michael Mancuso.

The Atlas, coached by Bill Hannan and Eric Wenzel.

The Whipsnakes, coached by Chris Corbett, Patrick Moylan, and Michael Schwalb.

The Waterdogs (and friends), coached by John Chiara, TJ O'Shea, and Nick Canner.

The YankeesGCAA Minor League Champions

Congratulations to the 2024 GCAA Minor League Champions, The Yankees! Coached by: Carl Oliveri, Sal Genova, Sean McDermott, and Brad Barnett. Players: George Davidson, David McDermott, Luke Barnett, AJ Oliveri, Matthew Kulesa, Nick Maldari, Liam Ryan, Ryan Crisi, Brandon Genova, Oliver Clark, John Watts, and James Trusty. What an awesome season! Let’s Go, Yankees!

Available for viewing Mondays and Tuesdays 3:30pm -6:30pm or by appointment. To set up appointment for viewing Call: 516-352-6620 or email: elks@nhpnelks.com

Catering available, or bring your own food, waiter service available Rooms available 7 days a week for your corporate functions

BAA/GAA Awards Night honors GCHS student athletes

The Bobby Menges Award winner Michael O’Hanlon with Liz Menges.

William L. Fuller Award winners Matthew Liberopoulos and Mabel Overbeck.

Hall of Fame honorees. Coach Mike Heedles, James Basile, Tom Reifler, Connor Hart, Trevor Yebiah-Kodie and coach Erica Fregosi.

The Unified Basketball Coaches Award winner Jack Sutcliffe with buddy Tom Poz and Coach Paul Cutter.

High Point leaders throughout their 4 years - Tyler McAlea and Elle Pamatat with HS Principal Mr. Steingrubner.

The annual GCHS BAA/GAA Awards night took place on Monday, June 10th at Garden City High School. Student athletes were recognized for their accomplishments in each of their sports throughout the 2023-24 seasons.

The Purple Unicorns

Congratulations to the Purple Unicorns on another amazing and fun season of soccer! This special group of ladies braved the rain, the cold, the heat, and lots of great competition, and gave their all week in and week out. They also brought a terrific attitude and lots of laughs to every Saturday morning together. GO UNICORNS!

The team included Julia Baglio, Claire Berbari, Andie Bernstein, Meredith Garvey, Ella Giannuzzi, Emme Horn, Victoria Monte, Katy Palmer, Ellie Reis, Maddie Ryder, Neave Smith, Alessia Stankiewicz and Jackie Viola, and was coached by Pat Smith, Matt Monte and Doug Bernstein.

Garden City Hammers have a spectacular season

The Garden City Hammers soccer team smashed their first full season together, having a great time, and growing strong as players and teammates. From their first games together in August of 2023, until their final game of the season this June, the Hammers have become a force to be reckoned with. Their development this season was outstanding, their hard work extraordinary, and their bond as teammates and friends unrivaled.

Wyatt Acquavito is a brick wall in the net and a force on the field. Joseph Baglio plays up top and at midfield with smarts and toughness. Oliver Chabot pushes up top to get the ball to the goal. Cole Clark works the sidelines as outside midfielder to set his teammates up for the score. Sebastian Geller hits hard and puts well-timed through balls up to his teammates. Kellan Mastaglio

Players who show exceptionally hard work and listening during weekly practices get to represent the Hammers as team captains during the weekend’s game.

powers through opposing players and never stops working. Ryan McAleavey sets up strong plays from the mid field and is formidable in the back. Grant Michalak can chase down and win the ball from any player on the field. Maddox Minarcik volleys goals into the back of the net like it is nobody's business. Sean O’Connor never backs down and keeps opposing players contained. Ryder Schwalb stops offensive players in their tracks and is always looking for a great pass. Nathaniel Schwarz uses his spectacular speed to push the ball forward. And Luca Trapini scores from all over the field for multiple goals a game.

The Hammers are an exceptional group of boys, and their coaches and parents could not be prouder of them and can not wait to see what they do next.

Hammers love having fun together outside of soccer as well, like at the Fall Festival in Conneticut.

Hammers are awarded each game for players who make great plays, play particularly tough, or display extraordinary sportsmanship.

The Hammers went undefeated in the Rocky Hill Columbus Day tourament and won their group.

The Hammer fought hard during the Memorial Day Weekend Hershey Tournament.

PORT ROWING

LEARN TO ROW AND YEAR-ROUND COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR ALL ATHLETES IN GRADES 7–12. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

LEARN TO ROW (Monday-Friday)

Session 1: July 1- July 12 • Session 2: July 15- July 26

Session 3: July 29- August 9 • Session 4: August 12- August 23

INCLUSION SUMMER ROWING (Two evenings/week)

July - August

Port Rowing is open to all athletes from any school district.

To learn more visit www.portrowing.org

Port’s Learn to Row Camp is designed to introduce athletes entering grades 7-12 to the sport of rowing and improve their fitness level. Whether you are looking for a team sport and want insight into what rowing is like, or just want to stay in shape during the summer off season, come give rowing a try. No prior rowing experience is necessary!

During camp, participants will have fun learning the fundamentals of rowing on the water in Hempstead Harbor as well as gaining physical stamina through on-land conditioning and other rowing related training. The program is an excellent introduction to Port’s competitive rowing program, whose athletes successfully compete at both the NY State and the national level. Many Port athletes continue their rowing career at the D1 level.

Port’s Summer Inclusion Camp is about maximizing long summer days and connecting with the team. Rowers and mentors meet 2 evenings per week and focus on synchronizing and teamwork to make the boats go far and fast.

“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

Congratulations to all our local athletes, coaches and teams on a great year. Have a happy and safe summer!

Assemblyman Ed Ra

825 East Gate Blvd., Suite 207

Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 535- 4095 • rae@nyassembly.gov

Garden City Swimming: A Decade of Success!

The 2023 season was another successful one for the Garden City Summer Swim Team. After securing its 35th-consecutive dual meet victory, GC placed first at the Nassau Municipal Swim Conference Division 1 Championship Meet against talented teams such as Long Beach, Manorhaven, and Great Neck. At last year's Championship Meet, close to 30 athletes swam personal best times. Garden City now holds two impressive records: first at Champs since 2013 and undefeated in dual meets since 2014.

Garden City looks to continue its winning ways this summer. Tryouts are completed, and over 130 athletes have been working hard at practice to prepare for their first meet against Valley Stream on Wednesday, July 10th. Go GC!

For more information on the summer swim team program at the Garden City Pool, visit our website at www. gardencityswimming.com.