The Hempstead PAL lacrosse team of fifth and sixth grade players won the 2019 championship in the Nassau County PAL Lacrosse League. The Tigers’ 6-1 record included victories over Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, Hewlett, Hicksville, Freeport and New Hyde Park. The only loss was to Plainview and that was by a single goal. Hempstead outscored its opponents 45-21.

Congratulations to the players and Head Coach Alan Hodish, and to Coach John Tangel, Coach Bernard Williams, the families and Hempstead PAL.

Hempstead Tigers Championship Roster

Adrian Ayala

Roberto J. Barrera

Makai Bell

Amare Collins

Jonathan Davis

Kaeon Grier

Jhaheem Harvey

Jhalil Harvey

Jeremy Henderson

Xaviah Lewis

Jaden Locke

Jayden Polite

Derick Reynolds

Eric Rucker III

Aaden Sarduy

Adill Sesay-Conteh

Ramon Washington

Jalil Watts

All the players received awards for the championship season along with individual awards that recognized various skills and accomplishments. My award to a player for “his strong work ethic and improvement made throughout the lacrosse season” was presented to Adrian Ayala. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with him, all the players and their families about the fun of the game and the many opportunities lacrosse provides by opening doors in high school, college and later in life.

I have supported the Hempstead PAL lacrosse program since its inception eight years ago. Along with the coaches and other benefactors, I have enjoyed introducing this great game to children who may never have had the opportunity to pick up a lacrosse stick.

The chant for 2020 already has started — “Tigers Repeat!”