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posted 03/13/2009 The Hamden Youth Lacrosse Board of Directors would like to welcome everyone to the 2009 season and get everyone up to speed on what’s been happening since the end of the 2008 season.
We had another successful Fall Ball session that ran eight weeks ran from September 13th. Many thanks to Dom Sannino, Tom Geirin, and Paul Cartier for orchestrating the sessions, which included scrimmages with other programs.
There have been a number of internal administrative changes that were implemented late in 2008 and will be in effect for the 2009 season. Dom Sannino, once known as the Brooklyn Bantam during his lacrosse days at Utica College, has moved into the VP role. In addition to overseeing both the boys and girls programs, Dom will work as liaison to the town, managing field usage, equipment needs, and general operations – that is whenever he’s not in Mexico, the Caymans, or other exotic ports-of-call.
Taking over Dom’s role as Boys’ Program Director is Tom Geirin. Tom joins the BoD this year after serving HYL in numerous capacities on and off the field. Tom has been a head coach, assistant coach, CONNY rep, coaches training czar, jamboree organizer, and general goto guy since HYL’s inception. In fact he’s retaining many of these duties despite his increased responsibilities. Are there any parents out there who would like to take some of this burden from the intrepid Mr. Geirin?
Unfortunately Laura Kennedy has stepped down as Girls’ Program Director after two solid years of service, for which we offer immense thanks. On the bright side, Paul Hudak has agreed to rejoin the program and take the reins for the girls. Paul co-founded HYL eight years ago, and was the Girls’ Program Director for several years. He served as President of the CT High School Girls’ Lacrosse Association for three years and is in his 9th season as the Head Coach of the HHS Varsity Girls’ team. We are very fortunate to have him back.
Paul Cartier has expanded his role with HYL. As you must have noticed, Paul, as webmaster, has taken the site to the next level. Paul has also been very active on the field as an assistant coach at numerous levels. While he will retain these duties, Paul has also accepted a position on the board as Registrar. He introduced on-line registration for Fall Ball 2008, and 2009 registration has gone extremely well. He is single-handedly dragging us all into the 21st century.
Jacqueline Sannino has also joined the board as Treasurer. While we are all grateful to have her financial expertise, no one is happier than Bob Giaquinto who has pulled double-duty as President and Treasurer for two years. Jackie arrived just in time, too. Bob was just about to deposit HYL’s funds with some guy named Madoff.
So, for the first time in a long while we have a fully functioning board. Nevertheless, there are still some areas where we can use help, including (but not limited to) the following:
Coaches, Coaches, Coaches!
- The single greatest obstacle to the growth of HYL is a lack of coaches.
- You don't need to have played or coached lacrosse to be able to help.
- We will train you.
Boys and Girls Referee Coordinators - report to respective Program Director
- Recruits refs and ensures they are properly trained
- Maintains master game schedule for all teams
- Assigns refs and handles cancellations, etc.
- Ensures refs are paid promptly and correctly
Public Relations Coordinator - report to Secretary
- Collects scores and team stats weekly
- Organizes data into a weekly newspaper article
- Submits the article to the Hamden Chronicle each week
- Acts as liaison on other PR matters
Banquet Chairman - Report to President
- Secure facility
- Plan menus and manage costs
- Arrange for DJ, audio/visual, decorations
- Manage numbers and collect money
Fundraising Chairman - Report to Treasurer
- Secure sponsors
- Offer advertising on our website, mention in the newspaper, and a plaque
- Manage other fundraising efforts
Speaking of fundraising, Mt. Carmel Veterinary Hospital has agreed to sponsor HYL with a $500 donation. Pat Reed, of the Men’s Lacrosse League, also donated $500 to HYL to help promote the growth of youth lacrosse. Everyone should be aware by now that HYL is a non-profit organization, to which donations may be tax-deductible.
The dynamic duo of Tom Geirin and Paul Cartier also contributed mightily to 2009 fund-raising efforts. Together with HHS Boys Lax, Tom and Paul organized a wine-tasting, raising about $1,700 for HYL. Do these guys ever sleep?
Thanks to everyone who contributed to HYL in 2008, and those committed to the 2009 season. Whether it’s your time or your money or your good will, we appreciate anything you’re able to give. We are looking forward to another great year of lacrosse.
Yours in lacrosse,
The HYL BoD
