As warmer temperatures arrive, spring athletics are back in full swing. Student-athletes participate in baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, boys track, girls track, boys tennis and unified basketball.
Mr. Rotandaro and Mr. Bello will lead the boys varsity baseball team and aim to return to the playoffs, improving on last year’s season in which they lost in the second round to Garden City. The team plans on opening its season on March 15 with a scrimmage against Locust Valley.
“We had a great run last year and beating MacArthur in the first round of the playoffs was an awesome moment for us,” sophomore Jake Padinha said. “This year’s schedule is tough, but we are ready to give it everything we have got. We just have to stay locked in and make the fundamental plays to help drive our playoff chances.”
Ms. Sinacori will lead the varsity softball team, aiming for a year of success in her first year of coaching. The team looks forward to developing its skills as much as possible throughout the season. They will be opening their competitive play with a scrimmage against Herricks on March 18.
“I was so excited to start softball this year because it meant that I could see my friends and have an outlet from stress at school,” sophomore Gia Dimmagio said. “My goal this year is to play every game like it is my last!”
Mr. Basil and the varsity tennis team look forward to having a season of success and development. Players on the team plan on working hard throughout the season in competitive singles and doubles matches. They will be opening the season’s play with a league game against Wantagh High School on March 26.
Entering his first season as a coach at New Hyde Park, Mr. Sandoval plans on leading the boys varsity lacrosse team to the playoffs, as they fell short last year after having a 15-1 record. Their players are geared up and excited for this strong schedule ahead of them as they open the season with a non-league game against Valley Stream Central on March 18.
“I am very confident that we are going to have a successful season this year, as we barely fell short last year,” sophomore attackman Robert Spina said. “We will have some tough opponents this year, but we will come with all the strength we have in order to help our playoff chances as much as possible.”
Ms. Collins, Ms. Leydon and Ms. Bianco will be leading the varsity track team. The team will compete in various events at these meets, which include lane races, long-distance runs and relays. Events include sprints, middle-distance, long-distance, hurdles and relays. The team looks forward to a great season as they have been trying to practice as much as possible, even with the bad weather conditions. Their season will start with a meet at Mepham High School on March 24, which will include teams such as Mepham, Great Neck South and Bellmore JFK.
“It has been a little hard trying to practice as much as possible, considering the weather conditions that are in place,” sophomore Austin Adams said. “However, our coaches and captains are amazing, as they always find a way for us to get ready for the season. Recently, we have been trying to do as much running and exercise in the school due to rainy and snowy conditions. This is the perfect way to work around the weather and we are extremely excited for what this season will bring us.”
Last, but not least, is our four-time champion unified basketball team. The team is led by Ms. Phillip and Ms. Bocchino. The unified basketball team opens its season on April 21 with a league game against Syosset High School.
