The Athletics program for summer 2007 was successful. Our summer was packed with activities for adults and children. Whether it was softball, tennis,  swim team, soccer, volleyball, basketball, sailing, happy walkers, windsurfing, senior bocce, golf outings, bowling or simply a day at the beach, there were plenty of opportunities for athletic activity. I am very grateful to the many volunteers, whose teamwork made all of this possible. The Highland Lakes Community gives us all so much and when each of us gives back with our time and talent great things happen. The following will recap some of the great things that happened this summer.

The boys Farm Team (ages 4-5) met on Monday mornings in the back of Field #1. The boys were  enthusiastically coached by Eric Clark, Daniel Revelant and Kieran Maher, assisted by Riely and Kyle Runfola. They were not distracted by the Boys' Mosquito League who were playing on Field #1. The Mosquito League (ages 6-8) met on Monday and Tuesday mornings. There were three teams, the Fireflies, Mosquitos, and the Termites. Coaching was a team effort, as the coaches worked together and mentored the new coaches. Our dedicated umpires were Patrick Mortan and Grant Hand.

The boys' Grasshopper League (ages 9-11) met on Thursday evenings at Field #1. This league had three teams: the Crickets, Hornets, and Wasps. Each week they played a double-header. The first game began at 6:00PM and the second at 7:15PM. The umpires for this league were Scott Tierney, Mike Sweeney, Joe Murolo, and Steve Castiglione.

The Boy's Little League (ages 12-17) played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:00PM, Field #2. This league consisted of four teams: Choctaws, Commanches, Mohicans, and the Seminoles. This league is presently a work in progress. Evaluations are presently under way to review various recommendations for the opportunity to initiate some changes for the summer of 2008. The pool of players has impacted team rosters. The present age level is 12 to 17 year old boys. Mid-summer, 17 to 21 year old young men began meeting on Sunday evenings at Field #2. Pick up games evolved into teams. This presents the opportunity of reducing the cut off age level of the Boys' Little League to 16. The drafting process and entire team equation will be reviewed. I am optimistic that the results will work to develop our goals for recreational softball games guided by team spirit, good sportsmanship and fun.

The girls Farm Team (ages 4-5) met on Thursday mornings in the back of Field #1. While they were busy in the outfield, the Gem League (ages 6-8) were playing on Field #1. The Yellow and Blue Gem teams played together developing their softball skills. The girls Butterfly League met on Tuesday evenings at 6:00PM at Field #1. There were two teams: the Robins and the Blue Jays. Lorayne Castigline was the League Coordinator and worked very hard with the coaches to coordinate the teams and games. The Girls' Little League met Monday evenings at 6:00PM at Field #1. Allison and Margaret Rohde coached and coordinated this league. Although the

roster was slim, the girls created a great softball experience for all its participants.

The children's Tennis lessons continue to be a popular successful activity. Boys and Girls ages 5-8 met Wednesday mornings at the Beach #1 courts. Terry and Tom Latham assisted by Elaine Kuntz did an awesome job. They introduced the children to swinging the tennis racquet by using a dangling tennis ball, held in a stocking, hanging from a clothesline! Some of their aspiring tennis players have moved on to 9-10 and 11-12 tennis lessons held Monday mornings, coordinated by Dori Zarr. Due to enrollment, Dori graciously divided her class into 11-12 year olds at 9:00AM, followed by the 9-10 year olds at 10:00AM. The times were coordinated with swim team practices. Aces Tennis, coordinated by Kathy and Liz Dittrick, met on Tuesday evenings at 6:00PM. Aces Tennis met at the Beach #1 courts with boys and girls ages 13-20. The Team Tennis was coordinated by Cathy Tansey. They met at the Beach 1 courts on Saturday mornings. They have attracted over 25 team members to play.

The Happy Walkers, coordinated by Mary Jane Wisniewski, met on Monday mornings at the Clubhouse. Different destinations were traveled each week. The women's volleyball coordinated by Carole and Judy Fortenback, met Thursday mornings. Their Newsette articles let us all know just how much fun they are having.

The Senior Bocce Club, coordinated by Shirley and Ed Bond meets on Thursdays at 1:00PM at the Clubhouse park. The seniors meet to play Bocce and socialize. They began playing in early spring.

Basketball at the Beach 1 courts was coordinated by Keith McCotter, Mary Ann Gunning and Trezza Kabby. Keith met with the older children at 5:00PM for some full court action. Mary Ann and Trezza met with the younger players at 6:00PM. They taught fundamental skills, practiced drills and organized games. The coaches coordinated as a team for some great three point action.

Ladies bowling met on Wednesdays at the Frontier Lanes, Warwick. This was coordinated by Pat Wootton and Judi Sunda.

Friday morning soccer at Field #2 is a highly attended activity; coordinated by Tracy Lenyk and Erin McLaughlin and assisted by Jesse Cornwell and Nick Potochi. Soccer players ages 5-8 and 9-12 work on drills and play games. The goal is to have fun!

The Ray Loughren Sr. Memorial HLCC Golf Outing was held on Friday August, 3 at Farmstead Golf Course. This event was coordinated by Clem Daly and Rich Breunig. The day concluded at the VFW in Vernon, with dinner and prizes. The Ladies Golf Outing took place on Tuesday August 14th. It was coordinated by Lory Kibitlewski. It was held at the Rail Course at Great Gorge. Lunch followed at Crystal Springs Country Club.

The Highland Lakes Swim Team is both an athletic and social activity. The team members range in age from 5-18 years old. This year's team was coached by Doug Miller, Mike Buchney, and Colleen Sweeney. Michael Cordes was the president and Jim Kenny was the treasurer. Volunteers of all ages helped to host the "B" Invitational.  Swim Team apparel featured the theme, Highland Lakes has "got water" and swimmers too!

The sailing and windsurfing programs compliment the aesthetics of Highland Lakes. The windsurfing is coordinated by Kevin Gaston and Tom Latham. The history about the beginnings of HL Windsurfing is featured in the July 28, 2007 Newsette.

Windsurfing Clinics provided instruction for beginners. The Highland Lakes Sailing program covers all age groups. Our sailing fleets include: Catamarans, Force 5, Windsurfers, Sunfish, and Comets. There are fleet captains for each sailing activity.

Thank you for a great summer . Any suggestion you have to enhance our athletic program will be graciously received. Thank you to all the volunteers. We had fun making memories for summer 2007!